MTHEL (Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser)

[*GSXR~SNAIL*]

If this thing exists, it looks pretty cool. Kind of a corny narrator, but the MTHEL looks like it could do some damage in the wrong hands...looks like one could use it to shoot down aircraft in additon to what they're using it here for.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWV9M9aX8O4

[mtnairlover]

Funny that that video has aBum.com tagged on it...http://www.abum.com/ Why is it that sex and weapons seem to find their place together in close company? Hmmm...



Anyhoo, the weapon does exist, sorta, but the costs are staggering to place them in the field.

Northrop Grumman proposed to use "relocatable" THEL systems to counter mortar and rocket threats on US military facilities in Iraq. Since funding for the MTHEL program was cut in 2004, such system may not be available for deployment in the near future. A second generation "relocatable" THEL system is currently considered for deployment. Such system will weigh about one-quarter the size of the current THEL and will fit into a 20 foot container which can be airlifted to forward areas. The new system will offer the same capability. Such systems are expected to cost $25 million a piece, when fielded in large numbers (30+). Future laser weapons will be based on electrically generated lasers and run on diesel fuel, rather than specially supplied chemical liquid fuel. However, while THEL based weapon could be fielded in less than two years, an equivalent system based on electrically powered laser will not be feasible before 2011. The system's radar is already operational in Israel, providing early warning from Palestinian attacks on the the city of Shderot. there are also rumors about a planned THEL deployment to Iraq, where it could provide RAM protection of the US Forces command and new Iraqi government

From...http://www.defense-update.com/directory/THEL.htm