SOCOM Just Tested a Laser Weapon Carried by an Apache Attack Helicopter

a reply to: anzha

Doesn't it seem like under the fuselage would be better than under the wing if you wanted to protect the device from down wash? Just my thought, I'm guessing that they hit the target the down wash problem is either not very big or is non existent. Love how WIB sensationalized the story thought.. Burning people alive walking down the street.. Wow.

Forget lasers. Plasma rail guns will be the next big thing. According to me.

a reply to: pirhanna

Rail guns with white phosphorous rounds.

a reply to: Caughtlurking
Magnesium and air friction

Just a heads up and I know this from being in the military...

They have had this tech on more important Helo's since Bush.

Just saying.

a reply to: Caughtlurking

The problem is the beam, not the device. The prop wash will throw up dust and crud. That is an issue, to say the least, for a beam weapon. Whether its under the fuselage or on a pylon won't matter.

a reply to: toysforadults

You are probably thinking of the Advanced Tactical Laser. It was an attempt to place a chemical laser on a VTOL. IIRC, it was cancelled.

a reply to: anzha

Or you could focus on the "more important helos" and "since Bush" bits.
There have been rumours on here and elsewhere about "upgrades" if memory serves...

a reply to: Jukiodone

Between all of the extra electronics and electronic defense tech on those special service helos already I can't see them having too much excess power generation for a weaponized laser.

a reply to: Caughtlurking




More info. One of the targets was a tank. My guess is they were looking to kill the optics.

alert5.com...

a reply to: anzha

www.flightglobal.com...

They want the tech but are worried about the legalities. This happened with missiles fired from drones during the Clinton administration and is why the Predator didn't get the Hellfire until much later than it ought.

YAY it shot down a Quadcopter Drone....

originally posted by: anzha
a reply to: Caughtlurking

More info. One of the targets was a tank. My guess is they were looking to kill the optics.

alert5.com...

Aside from the lack of Pew Pew Pew what about the fricken green beam to let everyone know its shooting.

Russia and China will obviously have Red beams, and the UN will have Blue ones.

Imagine sitting there with your Jihadi friends discussing the next planned atrocity on the West and Mohammedan just vaporizes next to you followed by Mohammedan 2 and Mohammedan-Junior. They leave you to tell the other Mo's that thinking Jihadi thoughts gets you vaporised, it must be against Allah's will and they all come to the party!

Go team America, bringing peace to the Middle East one wonder weapon at a time!