The Boeing Company has started its flight test for the Advanced Tactical Lasers (ATL) program and has generated first high energy chemical lasers in ground tests.
The ATL will transform the battlefield by giving the Airplanes a precision engagement capability that will reduce collateral damage dramatically. With ATL the aircrafts will have the capability to destroy, damage or disable targets with no or minimal collateral damage.
The ATL will produce scaleable effects, meaning the weapon operator will be able to select the degree and nature of the damage done to a target by choosing a specific aim point and laser shot duration. For example, targeting the fuel tank of a vehicle could result in total destruction of the vehicle, while targeting a tire might result in the vehicle stopping without injury to the driver.
The Boeing is developing this technology for the US Department of Defense through an ACTD program.
Via: Engadgets
