I don’t know if you have heard but Boeing has developed an advanced Tactical Laser which is equipped on air force jets to fire a high power laser which will destroy enemies, much like you might see in a Star Wars movie. Recently, Boeing and the US Air Force successfully fired this new technology onboard a US jet. The pilot was flying over White Sands missile range when he fired the ATL (Advanced Tactical Laser) at the target on the ground. The laser successfully demolished the target proving the technology to be effective and fully functional.
Gary Fitzmire the VP for Boeing commented, “this successful test is a major step toward bringing directed energy capability to the warfighter . . . we have demonstrated that an airborne system can fire a high-power laser in flight and deliver laser beam energy to a ground target. ATL’s ultra-precision engagement capability will dramatically reduce collateral damage.”
I am in favor of developing new military technologies which increase precision allowing for stronger, more precise attacks which in fact minimize civilian casualties. I think that this technology is one of the best advancements the Air Force has made in quite some time. I have to admit, I did a double take when I first read that they had developed a laser to function as a missile. What do you think of this new technology? Did you ever imagine that we would step into science fiction and start using lasers for battle?
