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LASER QUEST
Super powerful laser weapons to be fitted on American fighter planes by 2019
Hi-tech aircraft would be fitted with lethal system which tracks and destroys incoming targets
SUPER POWERFUL new laser weapons could be tested on supersonic US Air Force jets within the next two years.
Hi-tech fighter aircraft will be equipped with a laser beam system which tracks and destroys targets.
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The weapons would be housed in a pod attached to the jets.
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) plans to begin testing testing the new weapons by 2019.
Security giants Northrop Grumman are working with AFRL on developing the technology.
Mark Skinner, its vice president of directed energy, said: “Our team is integrating an innovative beam director with proven beam control technologies to help the Air Force define and successfully demonstrate a laser weapon capability for current and next generation aircraft."
The control system tracks incoming targets, determines an aim point and focuses the beam on the enemy, added Skinner.
It will also watch out for atmospheric disturbances which could distort the laser beam.
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It can also track incoming targets, determine an aim point and focus the beam on the enemy, added Skinner.
Northrop Grumman has previously revealed a tantalising image of a new stealth 'superjet' capable of the firing laser weapons.
The stealth craft is expected to use advanced cooling systems to help disguise its laser systems, according to .
Chris Hernandez, Northrop's vice president for research, technology and advanced design, told the sixth-generation fighter will be long range.
With few bases to operate from overseas; the jets must "carry a lot of weapons".
Northrop Grumman has two design teams working on the new aircraft, which Mr Hernadez described as a "baby B-2 Bomber".
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US Army combat vehicles could be equipped with LASERS to blast enemy drones and missiles from the sky from as early as next year.
The high-tech weapon – like something from Star Wars – will be mounted on Stryker armoured troop carriers to protect soldiers on the battlefield.
Last month Britain’s defence secretary Michael Fallon announced a £30m scheme to build powerful lasers to protect our ships from missiles.
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