US Navy successfully tests laser gun to fight pirates and more! pirates

[Iustinianus]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110413/...acy_navy_laser

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

The Navy for the first time last week successfully tested a solid-state high-energy laser from a ship. The beam, which was aimed at a boat moving through turbulent Pacific Ocean waters, set the target's engine on fire.
The Office of Naval Research says the laser traveled over "miles, not yards." For now, the test is a proof of concept, and it's not yet known when it might be deployed as a weapon.
The baseball-sized laser beam, though, could be used to stop small crafts from approaching naval ships. It could also target pirates.
"You can use the laser to ward off an attack, or you can dial it down to a non-lethal level where it basically becomes a very bright light so they know they are being targeted," Michael Deitchman, the director of air warfare and weapons at the Office of Naval Research, said Wednesday.
Deitchman said the laser provides two benefits not seen in other military weapons. The laser is precise, unlike bullets that can ricochet and hit unintended targets, and the laser's strength can be dialed down from a lethal level to a nuisance level.
Graeme Gibbon-Brooks, the head of Dryad Maritime Intelligence, said the test was "remarkable" for how the Navy was able to concentrate the beam over such a long distance at sea, and given how the boat was being tossed about in rough water.
"Hats off to the U.S. Navy because that is very, very impressive," he said. "It was pitching and rolling and yet they got this very fine beam to focus on one part of an engine casing. That they managed to keep the energy in one place is remarkable."
Somali pirates attacks have become increasingly violent in recent months. Pirate assaults typically involve multiple skiffs zooming in on a target. The pirates often carry and fire AK-47 assault rifles and rocket-propelled grenades at targets.
Some cargo ships now carry private security guards to defend against pirates. They also can use such defensive measures as water cannons and sound blasters. But those measures may not be enough to overcome an armed attack.
Gibbon-Brooks said the new laser "absolutely" could be deployed against pirates, but says a sniper rifle could work just as well. He suspects the Navy has bigger hopes for its sea-based laser. The Navy released a video of the test on YouTube. It's been viewed more than 600,000 times.
"It's a very, very interesting moment for naval warfare in that we have a whole new genre of weapons," he said.
"It's certainly a remarkable step forward. The ability to apply more power in a burst or the ability to manipulate that power is really where I see this going," he said. "I think if you watch the video and think that's what they intend to do to Somali pirates in a year, you don't understand what's being set out in front of them. It could be used in any type of naval warfare."
The laser test was carried out by the Navy and Northrop Grumman as part of a $98 million contract.
The Office of Naval Research's big project is a megawatt-level electron laser that could be used to defend Naval ships against supersonic and ballistic missiles, said Deitchman. The recent laser test helps the Navy move in that direction.
"It demonstrated once and for all that we could get material damage effects with a laser at sea, and it really gives us confidence to proceed on with directed energy systems," Deitchman said.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyTRhw8qmHE

I've heard about these laser guns before, but not sure if its been released before that they've been successfully tested. It appears that they can be turned down to non lethal levels, but the Navy probably plans to use these in the future as a whole new generation of weaponry.

[Menelik_I]

The ACLU will file lawsuit ... this would be inhuman treatment and violation of the pirates Humans rights.

But seriously are we dealing with the ''Pirate of the Caribean'' style pirates to require such expensive technology to deal with them ? For one Merchant ships could hire some proper safety for a change.

In the realm of military application, I ill see how this one could he used.

[MadBurgerMaker]

Yeah. Pirates. That's what it is being developed for. What an interesting article.

[justicar5]

But seriously are we dealing with the ''Pirate of the Caribean'' style pirates to require such expensive technology to deal with them ? For one Merchant ships could hire some proper safety for a change.

.

unfortunatly not pratical, theres all kinds of maritime laws against Merchant Ships packing serious firepower (even to the extent of a SAW and a few mercs) and alot of nations wouldn't let them dock with 'soldiers' on board. Tho placing marines on while they traverse the danger area (or at least on a few at random) would do wonders, mind you considering pirates have accidently attacked French and American naval vessels before, what a mistake to make, I mean how does the USS Nicholas (Oliver Hazzard Perry class) in anyway resemble a merchant ship? I can just about see mistaking La Somme (which is a supply ship) for a merchant man, but the Nicholas?

[Menelik_I]

unfortunatly not pratical, theres all kinds of maritime laws against Merchant Ships packing serious firepower (even to the extent of a SAW and a few mercs) and alot of nations wouldn't let them dock with 'soldiers' on board. Tho placing marines on while they traverse the danger area (or at least on a few at random) would do wonders, mind you considering pirates have accidently attacked French and American naval vessels before, what a mistake to make, I mean how does the USS Nicholas (Oliver Hazzard Perry class) in anyway resemble a merchant ship? I can just about see mistaking La Somme (which is a supply ship) for a merchant man, but the Nicholas?

Have 2 ''Mercenary ship'' stationed at each end of the hot zone, Security assets are stocked on these ships and these find a country allowing them to dock.

Security personnel board merchant ship from ship ! and stay with them for the whole length of the hot zone and then they inboard in ship B.

The merchant ships don't violate maritime law and don't have problem docking

[Caelius]

How about reading post I answered to, read my post again, connect the dots and then offer an apology.

I did.

My point still stands.

Now, the real question is, are you going to reply to my post? Or agree that what I was trying to tell you was correct?

Knowing our past history of disagreement i'm inclined to believe you won't, if only for pride's sake.

[Tiwaz]

I did.

My point still stands.

Now, the real question is, are you going to reply to my post? Or agree that what I was trying to tell you was correct?

Knowing our past history of disagreement i'm inclined to believe you won't, if only for pride's sake.

Clearly I have to spell it simply

Someone suggested that this would be tool to combat pirates (if you had not been so busy trying to pretend to be more knowing than others you would notice the topic of thread).

That merchant would send distress call and laser would hit the pirates.

Problem still is, one you admitted, is that laser requires direct line of sight. At that range, any conventional weapons would be just as good for military ship intending to protect the merchant.

If merchant carried laser itself, it would be armed ship and in no need of aid.

Second pulse lasers lose their power to droplets of water and everything between them. It is physics. Any particle where laser hits will reflect part of beam away. While pulse laser partially overcomes this by using pulses to clear route for next pulses, it is no different from use of continuous laser beam, except for lower energy requirements. Because continuous beam can achieve the same, it simply requires more power.

Also, your argument about targeting system being able to compensate for waves is also false, no surprise here... You like to pretend US tech can do miracles. If there is wave between target and source, then nothing can prevent it from disrupting the beam.

Finally, if you had done like I suggested you would notice that I specifically said that laser is not ballistic weapon, but in order to have any relevance in situation which poster to whom I responded presented, it would HAVE to be ballistic. Else range limitations would make it worthless.

In short, you did not read my post and post where I responded. Now go do that and offer an apology.
We both know you just jumped at opportunity to try to show me off, but it failed.

[justicar5]

Have 2 ''Mercenary ship'' stationed at each end of the hot zone, Security assets are stocked on these ships and these find a country allowing them to dock.

Security personnel board merchant ship from ship ! and stay with them for the whole length of the hot zone and then they inboard in ship B.

The merchant ships don't violate maritime law and don't have problem docking

That would be the work around yes, it ofc runs the risk of expanding the 'hot zone' but the pirate motherships must have limited range, and if they get into anyones territorial waters will get to see first hand what a 'maritime patrol aircraft' is. (but ofc not for long). It would also require govermental cooperation for the 'merc boats' but that shouldn't be an issue (hell don't make them mercs, just have marines on your flagged vessels, tangling up close and personnel with the USMC or RM if you strike at US / Commonwealth flagged ships (As appropriate) should provide some rapid attitude adjustment. Other nations ofc welcome to join the fun, just bas marines off your own naval vessels at the start of the shooting gallery...err hot zone. Admiral K with Spetznatz in the area? Get the popcorn boys this'll be good.

Whats so bad about good old guns?

lasers are way more accurate and ofc Rule of Cool would be in affect as well as Rule of Scary.

[Menelik_I]

That would be the work around yes, it ofc runs the risk of expanding the 'hot zone' but the pirate motherships must have limited range, and if they get into anyones territorial waters will get to see first hand what a 'maritime patrol aircraft' is. (but ofc not for long). It would also require govermental cooperation for the 'merc boats' but that shouldn't be an issue (hell don't make them mercs, just have marines on your flagged vessels, tangling up close and personnel with the USMC or RM if you strike at US / Commonwealth flagged ships (As appropriate) should provide some rapid attitude adjustment.

Mercs would probably be just be ex-US marines and HM-Royal Marines. Getting actual marines would be done, just a question of cost and politicking.

T Admiral K with Spetznatz in the area? Get the popcorn boys this'll be good.

You Betcha ... plus give then the Israeli Spike Missile, just change the war head and use a remote control.

Rules of Engagement ? Anything within 1 km range can be smoked if it doesn't change course or communicate ... Get the pop corn

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[Gaidin]

The ACLU will file lawsuit ... this would be inhuman treatment and violation of the pirates Humans rights.

Yea we'll shoot them instead. That'll make a big difference!

[Imperial]

Is our moon base functional yet?

[priam11]

Is our moon base functional yet?

Nope. The Nazi's, after the fall of Berlin, escaped and set up shop there.

Too much red tape so the project was quashed.

[Voodo chile]

Whats so bad about good old guns?

[MadBurgerMaker]

Whats so bad about good old guns?

For use against pirates? Nothing.

This thing is mostly for anti-aircraft/missile/etc purposes IIRC. I imagine Caelius could tell you more. I don't keep up with this anymore.

Edit: Unless this isn't the FEL. There's another, less powerful one (also used to shoot down). Still not sure what it would be used against pirates for.

[Pious Agnost]

For use against pirates? Nothing.

This thing is mostly for anti-aircraft/missile/etc purposes IIRC. I imagine Caelius could tell you more. I don't keep up with this anymore.

Edit: Unless this isn't the FEL. There's another, less powerful one (also used to shoot down). Still not sure what it would be used against pirates for.

Pirates are approaching merchant ship. No help in the area. Distress call is put out and pirate ship is sunk from a very long distance.

[Tiwaz]

Pirates are approaching merchant ship. No help in the area. Distress call is put out and pirate ship is sunk from a very long distance.

Miles is not very long distance. In fact, if you are looking for ability to control large area this is really bad option.

Laser is weapon which requires direct line to target, ergo you are limited to horizon at very best. It is also weakened by anything up in the air, like water vapor or drops of seawater from waves.

And should there be wave between target and laser, that wave takes all the energy (and laser requiring clear and direct line to target is viable for such issues). By comparison, old fashionate naval guns far outrange laser, both because they can be shot without need for direct line to target and because the explosive package included is not reduced in power by range.

No help in the area means no help from laser, unless it is located in the merchant ship itself. In which case they really have no point of making distress call instead of sinking the ships.

[Pious Agnost]

Miles is not very long distance. In fact, if you are looking for ability to control large area this is really bad option.

Laser is weapon which requires direct line to target, ergo you are limited to horizon at very best. It is also weakened by anything up in the air, like water vapor or drops of seawater from waves.

And should there be wave between target and laser, that wave takes all the energy (and laser requiring clear and direct line to target is viable for such issues). By comparison, old fashionate naval guns far outrange laser, both because they can be shot without need for direct line to target and because the explosive package included is not reduced in power by range.

No help in the area means no help from laser, unless it is located in the merchant ship itself. In which case they really have no point of making distress call instead of sinking the ships.

This is an early practical application. No doubt it will improve, as will the ability and perhaps platform from which it is deployed.

What if it was able to deployed by a satellite which was constantly hovering over the Horn of Africa? It could very well be the end of maritime piracy.

[MadBurgerMaker]

Pirates are approaching merchant ship. No help in the area. Distress call is put out and pirate ship is sunk from a very long distance.

What Tiwaz said. If the ship with the laser isn't in the area/can't see them, it can't use the laser on them.

[Exarch]

reminds me of archimedes' reflective mirrors

so what if the pirates start using mirrors to reflect the laser?

[cfmonkey45]

Pirates, never bring a gun to a laser fight.

"You will remember this as the day you ALMOST caught Captain Jack..." *Pew Pew*

reminds me of archimedes' reflective mirrors

so what if the pirates start using mirrors to reflect the laser?

Mirrors don't reflect that frequency of radiation, IIRC. Also, it's high frequency, so you only need to be hit for much less than a second to get the full effect.