The Light Fantastic.

HT to Powerline Blog for this report on laser weapons:

The U.S. military has been developing a gunship that could literally obliterate enemy ground targets with a laser beam.

The military plans to test the Advanced Tactical Laser, a laser weapon mounted on a C-130H air transport that could destroy any weapon system without collateral damage.

The laser could have tremendous repercussions on the battlefield, particularly in urban warfare in such countries as Afghanistan and Iraq. "It's the kind of tool that could bring about victory within minutes," an official said. [emphasis added]

Source: Insight Magazine - New weapon could mean the end of collateral damage I give the comment in bold very little credibility. What is meant by victory? How would this laser be any quicker than what we have now?

The laser weapon appears less revolutionary than the tank did. Many predicted the tank would be the end all be all of weapons. As it turns out the tank had significant impact on the battlefield for a time then was reduced to just another tactical tool.

By all means continue testing with this new weapon system. I think it will be a valuable tool that will find niche applications on the battlefield but don't hope it will bring victory within minutes.