Israel Develops Laser to Destroy Roadside Bombs

[ECH1969]

The Israeli Armament Development Authority has developed a laser system to diffuse destroy roadside bombs, which have killed hundreds of US and Israeli soldiers in Iraq and Lebanon.

Rafael, together with American defense contractor General Dynamics have produced and deployed the system, which is called Thor. It uses the concentrated energy of a high-powered laser to clear unexploded bombs and improvised explosive devices.

The Thor system includes sensors that work either in day or nighttime conditions to detect the hidden explosive charge. The developers report that the Thor system has already been deployed in combat operations. “Thor has demonstrated combat effectiveness in operational engagements bringing an additional precision fire gun platform to the fight, while at the same time filling a unique tactical mission role,” Rafael announced.

“The directed energy from the laser may also be used to ignite combustible materials, as a standoff cutting torch, and for other combat purposes,” the developer explains.

http://israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=115121

[LiberalFighter]

1. Isn't Bush a roadside bomb?

[Jim Sagle]

2. He'd be a roadside BUM if he didn't have Poopy to bail him out.

[leftchick]

3. who wants to bet

it will be used on people not IEDs?

[Nihil]

4. They're effectively admitting that in the press release:

> “The directed energy from the laser may also be used to ignite
> combustible materials, as a standoff cutting torch, and for other
> combat purposes,” the developer explains.

And the spin will be "We had to take the kid out as the bag he was
carrying might have been an IED."

[leftchick]

6. indeed

:(

[saigon68]

7. Yes if you are a PEACE Protester You will be FRIED

Look out Cindy Sheehan

[tabasco]

5. Just in time ! Not.

Sorry, Israel, we're not staying in the quagmire just because some of your people want us to.

[NorthernSpy]

8. billion dollar laser weapon defeated by $1.95 mirror pane...

What do you want to bet we'll be reading a headline like that eventually?

Arms races are just about always exercises in futility.

[Amused Musings]

9. Same with Missile Defense

I believe they are trying to put lasers on high altitude planes to blast incoming missiles... if they do not just cover them with mirrors.

[Porcupine]

10. The bombs aren't labeled "ACME IED" y'know.

The whole point of mines (what they used to call IED's) is that they deny you the ability to travel over an area as fast as you would otherwise. Some of these bombs are buried under several inches of road surface. All of them are disguised as something else.

This is probably a anti-personell weapon that they are calling something else.