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| Wired image. |
How many of you remember the Boeing Laser Avenger anti-air/multi-purpose vehicle? It was a proposal by Boeing to replace one of the missile pods with a laser weapon that was capable of knocking drones out of the sky and demonstrated the ability in tests. Its use against manned aircraft should be obvious.
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| Boeing Defense image. |
To take it one step further, Boeing also came up with a version for use aboard naval vessels. It combined a 25mm gun with a laser pod.
Why these concepts never gained traction is unknown but the reality is clear.
The ability to at least introduce lasers for combat use has been with us since at least 2007. While the technology continues to evolve and become more deadly and robust, it seems that the world's military forces
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| Boeing Defense image |
continue to be somewhat hesitant to introduce them. That will change when a first world force decides laser DO belong on the battlefield. And when that happens we'll see the next revolution in military affairs.
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The 25mm is useless, best off putting more missiles on it. I'm still in favor of ADATS on a
ReplyDeleteStryker to replace Avenger air defense. If this laser can knock out a Hind or SU-25 then I'm all for it. Check out this Avenger upgrade by Boeing back in 2010. http://defensetech.org/2010/12/03/the-avenger-gets-a-serious-upgrade/