Test of laser from C-130H melts hood of car

[djnocturnal]

New video released by the Air Force and Boeing Co. show what happens when a C-130H Hercules aims the Advanced Tactical Laser at the hood of car.

In the video recorded Aug. 30 during a test flight at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., the laser melts the hood and sparks a fire. A press statement from Boeing said the laser “killed the vehicle.”

The weapon uses a chemical laser that fills the cargo hold of C-130 to produce a laser beam fired from a turret mounted in the belly of a C-130.

VIDEO
If the size of laser can be reduced, the Air Force could one day fly laser versions of the AC-130 gunships.

The future of the project is in doubt as it competes for funding with other weapons, but a Boeing official said he is optimistic.

“The bottom line is that ATL works, and works very well,” Gary Fitzmire, program director of Boeing Missile Defense Systems' Directed Energy Systems unit, said in a release. “ATL's components — the high-energy chemical laser, beam control system and battle manager — are performing as one integrated weapon system, delivering effective laser beam energy to ground targets.”

Working with Boeing on the $200 million project, which began in 2002, is the Air Force Research Lab’s Directed Energy Directorate.

New video released by the Air Force and Boeing Co. show what happens when a C-130H Hercules aims the Advanced Tactical Laser at the hood of car.

In the video recorded Aug. 30 during a test flight at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., the laser melts the hood and sparks a fire. A press statement from Boeing said the laser “killed the vehicle.”

The weapon uses a chemical laser that fills the cargo hold of C-130 to produce a laser beam fired from a turret mounted in the belly of a C-130.

VIDEO
If the size of laser can be reduced, the Air Force could one day fly laser versions of the AC-130 gunships.

The future of the project is in doubt as it competes for funding with other weapons, but a Boeing official said he is optimistic.

“The bottom line is that ATL works, and works very well,” Gary Fitzmire, program director of Boeing Missile Defense Systems' Directed Energy Systems unit, said in a release. “ATL's components — the high-energy chemical laser, beam control system and battle manager — are performing as one integrated weapon system, delivering effective laser beam energy to ground targets.”

Working with Boeing on the $200 million project, which began in 2002, is the Air Force Research Lab’s Directed Energy Directorate.

Video here
http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2009/ ... r_100209w/

[GZR_Sactargets]

From AF Daily Report 14 OCT 09
Fender Bender: Boeing announced Tuesday that its Advanced Tactical Laser aircraft achieved another milestone when its high-energy laser successfully engaged a moving ground vehicle for the first time during a September test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. The laser was fired at the vehicle as the aircraft flew overhead; it put a hole in the vehicle's fender, said Boeing. This test built upon a previous test against a stationary vehicle back in August. "ATL has now precisely targeted and engaged both stationary and moving targets, demonstrating the transformational versatility of this speed-of-light, ultra-precision engagement capability that will dramatically reduce collateral damage," said Gary Fitzmire, program director of Boeing's directed energy systems unit. The ATL is a modified C-130H that fires the laser out of a belly turret.

[Firebird]

That should stop people parking illegally.

[GZR_Sactargets]

Might be interesting to stop some of those high speed chases on the interstates.

[petebramley]

Might be interesting to stop some of those high speed chases on the interstates.

I have an even better idea. If I pass on my target list, could you see it gets to the correct place.

First on the list is a "gent" by the name of Griffin.


Regards