The US navy wants to test a high-powered laser against the threat of small boats or even jet skies that will be carrying RPG holding riders. The 98-million contract was taken away by Northrop Grumman for the Maritime Laser Demonstration in early July. Now they are on the mode of installing a prototype of the laser on a ship and test it on a remote controlled small boat within the next 18 months. The navy is very excited over the new weapon. The weapon has already achieved an output of 105 Kw during early testing and there is still a long way to go before sea trials begin. But the US air force has a laser cannon and the army also wants one too. So why not the navy!
[Popsci]