So it would seem that it won’t be aliens that have laser shooting shielded fighters, but instead we will.
Laser-armed fighter jets by …
http://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2015/12/15/us-air-force-lasers-fighter-jets-orig-vstop.cnn
This seems pretty badass, I just wonder how practical lasers will be for dogfights.
[QUOTE=Bneterasedmynam;2875226]I just wonder how practical lasers will be for dogfights.[/QUOTE]
Probably like a million times more practical than machine guns.
[QUOTE=Permalost;2875240]Probably like a million times more practical than machine guns.[/QUOTE]
I can see both upsides and downsides to it. Unless if we’re talking about something new in terms of lasers, one big problem I see is target time. Lasers take a bit of time to melt through objects which means the pilots would need to target their opponent longer. But then again it would be a great way of saving weight without having to carry all those bullets. Plus it has a blinding effect. I think that this type of shift in weapons tech could really rush in a new era of warfare.
[QUOTE=Bneterasedmynam;2875248]I can see both upsides and downsides to it. Unless if we’re talking about something new in terms of lasers, one big problem I see is target time. Lasers take a bit of time to melt through objects which means the pilots would need to target their opponent longer. But then again it would be a great way of saving weight without having to carry all those bullets. Plus it has a blinding effect. I think that this type of shift in weapons tech could really rush in a new era of warfare.[/QUOTE]
Target time? Um…1st off even if it where going to be an issue (it won’t), software + a turret means if the plane in front of you is in the turrets arc which will be huge, the software can keep the laser trained on it. Servos can change directions a lot quicker than a plane can.
2nd of all, it really depends on how many watts of energy the laser can transfer to the target. There are solid state lasers out there that can deliver 2,000,000 Joules delivered in under 1 nanosecond. That will tear some shit up (mind you these are still big lasers used in National Ignition Facility but the point stands. It all depends on the laser and the power. You can pack a lot more power into a laser that will cut through even the most heat transfer resistant materials around and do so faster than a piece of metal being chemically accelerated.
IMHO the computer-assisted focusing turret is going to be what really makes laser weapons a game changer, whether on air, ships, vehicles etc. Not only to be able to continuously accurately attack while both parties are moving, but also to take out incoming missiles etc. I imagine the tank of the future is going to be several laser turrets mounted on treads, with at least one of the turrets strictly for projectile defense (battleships will probably have this too).