Tech | September 06, 2008 | 4 comments

USAF Laser - The New Napalm?

source: http://blog.wired.com/defense/2008/09/tactial-laser-l.html

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In science fiction, it's one zap of a laser gun, and you're dead. But real-life energy weapons likely won't work that way.

Take the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) that U.S. Special Forces have begun to test-fire. Intended for "covert strikes," the ATL has been sold on its ability to blast away with pinpoint accuracy. A very rough estimate shows, however, that the effects when you target an individual are not quite what you might expect. It's not going to kill you quickly.

So instead of "zap-and-you're-dead" in normal science fiction style, with a hundred kilowatt laser, it's more a matter of spraying the target all over to ensure they're done. The description of the ATL as a "long range blow torch" is probably quite accurate.

With this type of weapon, the effects are more like napalm than bullets. Humanitarian protests are likely.


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4 comments // USAF Laser - The New Napalm?

  • remanns
  • remanns
    • 0
      remanns  

    • "rough calculation suggests that exposed skin would be blistered/burned in under a twentieth of a second, so the beam could play over the target at quite a high rate. It’s unclear whether clothing would have much protective effect or whether it would simply ignite and cause secondary burns.

      So instead of "zap-and-you’re-dead" in normal science fiction style, with a hundred kilowatt laser, it’s more a matter of spraying the target all over to ensure they’re done. The description of the ATL as a "long range blow torch" is probably quite accurate". Harsh.

    • 3 years ago
  • remanns
    • 0
      remanns  

    • Its a "Death Ray",.....not a "good" death ray,....but a death ray. Hmph,...always having to "keep up with the ........Martians.

    • 3 years ago
  • Babaganate
    • 0
      Babaganate  

    • Well I don't see humanitarians going after Napalm, now are they?

      I think I've seen this on FutureWeapons one time. I'm pretty sure that this was intended mostly for air-to-air and ground-to-air fighting. I mean, why waste bullets on the chasis of the jet when the wing or the engines themselves are vulnerable?

    • 4 years ago
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