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Navy wants lasers to knock out drones

The Office of Naval Research is asking industry for proposals to develop the new weapon. A demonstration has already shown what's possible.

Federal News Network Staff

August 15, 2012 8:47 am

< a min read

The Navy wants super lasers than can knock drones out of the air and small boats out of the water.

The Office of Naval Research is asking industry for proposals to develop the new weapon. A demonstration has already shown what’s possible.

Last year, a directed energy, kilowatt-scale laser disabled a small boat target. This summer, several Navy components, including Sea Systems and Missile Defense Commands, have been jointly testing laser prototypes mounted on a destroyer. They’re collecting data to feed into future laser developments.

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