The Navy for the first time last week successfully tested a solid-state high-energy laser from a ship. The beam, which was aimed at a boat moving through turbulent Pacific Ocean waters, set the target’s engine on fire.
The Office of Naval Research says the laser traveled over “miles, not yards.” For now, the test is a proof of concept, and it’s not yet known when it might be deployed as a weapon.
The baseball-sized laser beam, though, could be used to stop small crafts from approaching naval ships. It could also target pirates.

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Graeme Gibbon-Brooks, the head of Dryad Maritime Intelligence, said the test was “remarkable” for how the Navy was able to concentrate the beam over such a long distance at sea, and given how the boat was being tossed about in rough water.
“Hats off to the U.S. Navy because that is very, very impressive,” he said. “It was pitching and rolling and yet they got this very fine beam to focus on one part of an engine casing. That they managed to keep the energy in one place is remarkable.”

That’s great and all, Mandy, but I’m not seeing any “ONR Contract” revenues in the budget. Don’t make me send Ghettoputer up to your lab to get the money. That never ends well.

Speaking of not ending well, I’m thinking if I’m a Somali pirate, it might be time to, you know, buy a fishing net or something.

Confucius, Œc. Vol.

Don’t ask impertinent questions like that jackass Adept Lu.