American navy ships could reach “Star Wars” level by next year. Navy Officials released Monday that the ships could have lasers as early as 2014, according to Fox News.
The officials said the laser prototype will be attached to the USS Ponce and deployed with the 5th fleet region in the Middle East to get some actual combat experience.
The Navy released video footage of the laser honing onto an unmanned drone and obliterating it in mid air.
According to one navy official the drone, “operates much like a blowtorch…with an unlimited magazine.”
The United States could already have potential uses for the new prototype. The 5th fleet is stationed in waters which includes the Persian Gulf. Iran flies small drones around the gulf and also has a tendency to bother American Navy ships with mini speedboats that come armored.
While the weapons itself cost a fortune to create, it's very cost efficient when it comes to operation. The prototype cost approximately $32 million to complete. However, according to Rear Admiral Matthew Klunder, chief of Naval Research, “Its weapon round costs about $1 to shoot."
According to Navy researchers, the laser has tested flawlessly so far. In 12 tests it has hit its target 12 times. Officials say the laser has more purposes than destroying enemy vessels. While it is labeled a “directed energy pulse weapons”, it can also be used to issue warnings to other ships.
Navy officials say achieving a feat such as this, is much better than attempted Airborne Laser. The Airforce had to cancel the approximately $1.5 billion project to put lasers on the noses of its aircrafts.
Despite the excitement surrounding the new lasers, the Navy does express some concerns. Officials are not sure how the laser will perform in various weather conditions. They have also not released the range of the prototype.
Officials have also admitted uncertainty on whether the laser has reached the level where it can take down fighter jets. The new laser is just one of the new weapons being developed by United States military and is a glimpse into what the future might hold.
