How to Melt a Tank in Three Seconds Or Less

Steadfast · Post by **Steadfast** » March 18th, 2008, 6:27 pm

How It Works: The Flying Laser Cannon

story

Creating a laser that can melt a soda can in a lab is a finicky enough task. Later this year, scientists will put a 40,000-pound chemical laser in the belly of a gunship flying at 300 mph and take aim at targets as far away as five miles. And weâ€™re not talking aluminum cans. Boeingâ€™s new Advanced Tactical Laser will cook trucks, tanks, radio stationsâ€”the kinds of things hit with missiles and rockets today. Whereas conventional projectiles can lose sight of their target and be shot down or deflected, the ATL moves at the speed of light and can strike several targets in rapid succession.

Last December, Boeing, under contract from the Department of Defense. . .

Silverback · Post by **Silverback** » March 18th, 2008, 6:50 pm

Looks like some more service time for the C-130.

EvilCouch · Post by **EvilCouch** » March 18th, 2008, 11:43 pm

Fucking Air Force has all the fun.

Chiron · Post by **Chiron** » March 19th, 2008, 2:54 am

I can't wait for the video!!!

Post by **Disinfertention** » March 19th, 2008, 7:17 am

I heard about this a couple months ago. Sounds like FO's will be having some good times once again :D