Laser plane could destroy tanks from 10 miles

Subject: Laser plane could destroy tanks from 10 miles Sat Mar 29, 2008 9:11 am

The laser weapon, shown mounted on a modified Lockheed aircraft

The weapon is capable of destroying targets up to 15km (10m) away, according to Defense Update online magazine.

The ten-centimetre-wide beam will heat targets almost instantly to thousands of degrees and will slice through metal even at maximum range. It is intended both for battlefield use and for missile defense.

Laser plane could destroy tanks from 10 miles Wlaser128zm9

Laser plane could destroy tanks from 10 miles Wlaser128zm9

The weapon can also be fitted on a 747 aircraft to shoot down missiles

It is anticipated the beam will be adjustable, allowing the gunner to choose between, for example, targeting a vehicle's fuel tank to destroy it utterly, or slice through a tyre to bring it to a halt without injuring the driver.

The laser will be housed in a rotating turret attached to the underside of the aircraft and will be aimed independently of the plane. Early tests have focused on testing the rotation of the laser housing.

Laser plane could destroy tanks from 10 miles Wlaser128bux1

Laser plane could destroy tanks from 10 miles Wlaser128bux1

The laser is housed in a rotating glass turret, seen here on the front of the aircraft

So far the laser itself has not been tested in flight, but first trials are expected during 2008.

Tests on a laser for destroying vehicles will be carried out on the prototype based on the C-130 "Hercules" transport aircraft. A separate version of the missile will be trialled on a Boeing 747.

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Laser plane could destroy tanks from 10 miles

Laser plane could destroy tanks from 10 miles

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