The U.S. Navy has said one of its warships successfully tested a high-energy laser weapon system that targeted an aircraft.
The U.S. Navy released images of a laser coming from the deck of the amphibious transport dock ship, the USS Portland, with video clips showing what appears to be an aerial drone burning.
The location of the test, which took place on May 16, was not revealed by the Navy, but USNI News reported that it took place off Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The Navy said the use of the Laser Weapon System Demonstrator (LWSD) on a Pacific Fleet ship "is the first system-level implementation of a high-energy class solid-state laser."
The weapon was not revealed either, but it is believed to be a 150-kilowatt laser, according to a report from the International Institute for Strategic Studies.
"With this new advanced capability, we are redefining war at sea for the Navy Capt. Karrey Sanders, commanding officer of the USS Portland, said in the statement. "By conducting advanced at sea tests against UAVs and small crafts, we will gain valuable information on the capabilities of the Solid State Laser Weapons System Demonstrator against potential threats.
Form newsweek
