VG Chartz Tech/Futurology Thread - 10 “Game Changing” Technologies Poised to Transform the World in 2015

[JEMC]

I've found an interesting bit of news that I thought it could be worth sharing with you:

Navy Tests Laser System in Persian Gulf

http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Media-Center/Press-Releases/2014/LaWS-shipboard-laser-uss-ponce.aspx

Officials at the Office of Naval Research (ONR) announced today that the laser weapon system (LaWS)—a cutting-edge weapon that brings significant new capabilities to America’s Sailors and Marines—was for the first time successfully deployed and operated aboard a naval vessel in the Persian Gulf.

The operational demonstrations, which took place from September to November aboard USS Ponce (AFSB 15), were historic not only because they showed a laser weapon working aboard a deployed U.S. Navy ship, but also because LaWS operated seamlessly with existing ship defense systems.

“Laser weapons are powerful, affordable and will play a vital role in the future of naval combat operations,” said Rear Adm. Matthew L. Klunder, chief of naval research. “We ran this particular weapon, a prototype, through some extremely tough paces, and it locked on and destroyed the targets we designated with near-instantaneous lethality.”

And here's a video of the laser (you'll be disappointed): http://youtu.be/D0DbgNju2wE