US Navy brings down drone with electric-powered laser in historic first

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

The US Navy shot down a drone using an electric-powered laser for the first time earlier this year.

The newly created laser was tested on a drone in New Mexico, where it was beamed from the deck of a warship in February.

Laser weapons have several advantages, according to the Navy, including that they can disable sensors and assess the damage they could inflict on targets. Due to the laser being entirely electric, they also pose a lower threat than other military weapons or bombs.

They also require no explosives or propellants, which makes them safer, according to TechSpot.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/us-navy-brings-down-drone-with-electric-powered-laser-in-historic-first/ar-AAWsSIL

You're next MTG.

[yagotme]

1. So, is it going to be Star Wars, or Star Trek?

Gotta get my outfit ordered now, before the rush!

[Blues Heron]

2. Big step up from the old steam powered lasers

[Takket]

3. here's a shot of the test! (not serious)

[yagotme]

4. Ah, Star Wars it is.

(Looking online for Rebellion gear.)

[pecosbob]

5. I want to hear more about this warship that can steam through the deserts of New Mexico

The article's author needs to learn how to write a coherent sentence.

[Nevilledog]

6. How long is the fucking extension cord?

[Angleae]

8. Not quite.

#1: Lasers lose their integrity over distance (diffusion).
#2: Being mounted on the deck of ship, the horizon is only about 30-35 miles away, and the ship needs direct line of sight to the target and within radar range.

[AnotherDreamWeaver]

11. Second paragraph:

"The newly created laser was tested on a drone in New Mexico, where it was beamed from the deck of a warship in February."

[LudwigPastorius]

9. Very early proof-of-concept...