White Sands Tests New Laser Weapon

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White Sands Tests New Laser Weapon
February 02, 2009
Army News Service|by Drew Hamilton

WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, N.M. - White Sands Missile Range is testing a new weapon system known as the Laser Centurion Demonstrator.

The system, developed by Raytheon, combines proven radar and threat-detection technology with the latest in laser weapons. This demonstration model is intended to prove the capabilities and effectiveness of the new laser weapon as part of the Laser Area Defense Systems program, officials said.

The new laser system is designed to replace the 20mm cannon on the Navy's Phalanx system and the Army's Centurion system, according to Raytheon's Web site.

The integration of an advanced directed energy weapon into an existing conventional weapon system helps keep the system's costs down as well as allowing an easier transition from one system to another, officials said.

The Phalanx is an air and missile-defense system used on nearly every ship in the fleet. Converted to be transported and fired from a trailer, it is also used by the Army under the name Centurion to provide defense from air and missile threats as well as defense against mortar and artillery attacks. As an upgrade to the Phalanx and Centurion, the laser system is a program that is jointly funded by the Navy and Army. Other services are also interested in the laser itself for possible integration into other weapon systems.


Rest of article at: http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/white-sands-tests-new-laser-weapon.html