Are Directed Energy Weapons Still Viable in Modern Warfare?

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In summary, the directed energy weapons project, also known as Star Wars, faced challenges in creating enough energy to cause sufficient damage and in gaining political support for space-based weapons. However, laser weapons have been successfully developed as airborne anti-missile platforms, such as Northrop Grumman's "BILL" 747 equipped with a chemical laser. This allows for more precise and controlled targeting of enemy missiles, minimizing damage to civilian areas.
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maximus
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remember the directed energy weapons (or Star Wars) project? what kinds of thing did they create and why aren't they in use? last i remember the problem was they couldn't produce enought energy to create suffecient damage, but that was like 20 years ago. and if we developed fusion one day, could that suffice?
 
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Another problem with DEWs is that they really come into their own in a vacuum (where there is no atmosphere to disperse the energy). That means space-based weapons; not very poitically popular.

However, laser weapons as airborne anti-missile platforms is now a reality. Northrop Grumman recently test-flew and has now delivered a laser-equiped 747 named "BILL" to the DoD. It is designed to fly over a contested area, searching with powerfull RADAR and other sensing equipment to detect a launch in progress, then shoot it down with a chemical laser while it is still climbing. One great advantage of this is that the debris falls back on the ones who launched, and not on the city we're trying to defend.
 

1. What are D.E.W.'s?

D.E.W.'s are Directed Energy Weapons, which use directed energy, such as lasers or microwaves, to damage or destroy a target.

2. How are D.E.W.'s used?

D.E.W.'s can be used in various applications, such as military defense, space exploration, and even in medical treatments.

3. Are D.E.W.'s a new technology?

No, the concept of directed energy weapons has been around since the 1940s, but advancements in technology have made them more feasible and effective in recent years.

4. Are D.E.W.'s currently being used in warfare?

There have been reports of D.E.W.'s being used in recent conflicts, but their use is still limited and not yet widespread.

5. What are the potential risks of D.E.W.'s?

As with any new technology, there are concerns about the potential misuse or unintended consequences of D.E.W.'s. Some experts also worry about the long-term effects of exposure to directed energy, both on humans and the environment.

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