US Achieves Breakthrough in Weaponizing Laser

choi

Bill Sweetman, Big Zapper; General Atomics claims laser breakthroughs. Aviation Weeks, Feb 16, 2015.
aviationweek.com/defense/general-atomics-claims-laser-weapon-advance

the first three paragraphs:

"General Atomics (GA) has completed laboratory tests of what it calls its 'third-generation laser system,' saying that the weapon sets new standards in efficiency, beam quality and system weight. According to an industry source, the company says the new laser will deliver 150 kw of energy, with three times higher beam quality than the Laser Weapon System (LaWS) now being tested by the U.S. Navy on the amphibious warfare ship Ponce, and will be able to fire 10 shots between 3-min.-long recharges.

"Moreover, the laser is being designed as part of a 3,000-lb self-contained package that can be installed in the weapon/payload bay of the company's avenger turbofan-powered unmanned air vehicle. Te same industry source suggests that GA's technology is mature enough to fly on an avenger within 18 months, given adequate funding.

"According to analyst Mark Gunzinger of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) * * * The new weapon could be 'effective against air-to-air missiles, and against cruise missiles using a crossing shot,' he surmises. The new system--not yet formally named

Note: The report is vague, likely because not much is leaked at the moment. The report hints inability to shoot down an intercontinental ballistic missile at present.