US Navy tests world’s first Laser Weapons System

United States Navy successfully tested the world’s first-ever active Laser Weapons System (LaWS).
In the test, the LaWS deployed aboard the USS Ponce amphibious transport ship was able to destroy a drone in flight and moving targets on the Persian Gulf. USS Ponce is first ship in the world to be deployed with such advanced weapons system.

Key Facts

LaWS operates within an invisible part of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is absolutely silent and incredibly effective. It strikes are extremely accurate, silent and invisible. It is primarily intended to take on drones, aircraft, and small vessels that could be used in an attack.
The system has special materials that release photons at the speed of light. It silently hits the target, burning it to a temperature of thousands of degrees. It can even target a single component of an enemy target and disable or destroy it as necessary. Each strike of the system travels 50,000 times the speed of an incoming ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile).
It is a very versatile weapon that can be used against a variety of targets in air or surface targets or ground-based targets. Its precise nature can also limit collateral damage in wartime. Its cost per use is approximately $1 per shot. The system requires electrical power and a three-man team.
US is also developing second generation LaWS system which is believed to be intended to take on faster targets such as incoming missiles.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2017