Connect with us

Technology

US Navy ‘kills’ drone with electric-powered LASER for first time – and it could even stop missiles

THE US Navy deployed a new electric laser weapon with massive defensive upside.

The weapon can take lethal and non-lethal measures to disable or destroy targets.

The laser was invisible and the purple line shown above is an artist’s rendition

The laser was tested on a drone and beamed from the deck of a warship.

Given the laser is all electric and has no explosive power, its at lower risk of causing a catastrophic accident than a traditional bomb, according to TechSpot.

The US Military has experimented with lasers in the past – but previous attempts were based on chemicals.

The project is spearheaded by the US Navy and defense contractor Lockheed Martin.

Read More in US Military

BATTLEFIELD METAVERSE

Military race to dominate metaverse as US & China prep for cyber WAR

SHOCK TWIST

Probe launched as Army helicopter crash that killed 1 was ‘NOT an accident’

Reporting by New Atlas says that another benefit of going electric is the laser has a “theoretically unlimited supply of ammunition,” so long as the ship its boarded on has power.

Speaking on lasers, Chief of Naval Research Rear Admiral Lorin Shelby said “They present transformational capabilities to the fleet, address diverse threats, and provide precision engagements.”

During the February test, the electric laser successfully disabled a drone meant to represent a hostile missile.

Lockheed Martin expects that future laser technologies will be used across air, ground, or sea.


Shelby added the laser “[complements] existing defensive systems and enhance sustained lethality in high-intensity conflict.”

A representative from Lockheed Martin said that luxury car manufacturer Rolls Royce made contributions as well.

Right now, the US Navy has no plans to bring the Layered Laser Defense (LLD) to the field.

Read More on The US Sun

TO CATCH HER KILLER

Map reveals murdered mom’s final movements as cops track phone numbers

‘KILLER’ HUSBAND

Shock details in case of husband who ‘mowed down & killed wife at airport’

This March, President Biden proposed a budget of $773billion dollars for the Department of Defense.

With Russia becoming increasingly brazen with military engagements, some Americans are glad to have a chunk of their taxes go to defense while more progressive citizens and politicians think Biden should be reducing military spending.

We pay for your stories!

Do you have a story for The US Sun team?

Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSunUS and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunUS