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Navy closer to arming ships with lasers

For the first time, the Office of Naval Research has proven that its laser can operate at sea.

Federal News Network Staff

April 12, 2011 11:40 am

< a min read

Laser warfare might not be the stuff of science fiction for too much longer. The Office of Naval Research and Northrup Grumman have successfully tested a new laser weapon system. The tests were so successful, in fact, that they set the engine of a small boat on fire after just a few seconds of contact with the laser. Cnet reports, there is more engineering and developing to be done, but the Navy hopes to deploy the new weaponry in up to eight classes of ships in the fleet.