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As seen in this still image taken from video, the Laser Weapon System (LaWS), temporarily installed aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105).

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San Diego (Aug. 4, 2012) A still image from video shows a split-screen view of the Laser Weapon System (LaWS), upper left, striking a remote-controlled target aircraft. The LaWS technology demonstrator is built by Naval Sea Systems Command from commercial fiber solid state lasers, utilizing combination methods developed at the Naval Research Laboratory, successfully shoots down a target. LaWS can be directed onto targets from the radar track obtained from a MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon system or other targeting source. The Office of Naval Research's Solid State Laser (SSL) portfolio includes LaWS development and upgrades providing a quick reaction capability for the fleet with an affordable SSL weapon prototype. This capability provides Navy ships a method for Sailors to easily defeat small boat threats and aerial targets without using bullets. This still image taken from video shows an exercise conducted by a technical team from the Naval Surface Weapons Center Dahlgren Division and managed & funded by ONR, Naval Sea Systems Command, OSD's High Energy Laser Joint Technology Office and supported by U.S. Fleet Forces Command. (U.S. Navy photo/Released)

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bd popeye said:

Thanks thecheeto.

that LaWS, if that is the final configuration , looks to be too large for shipboard usage. That thing is eating up the helo pad..c'mon now. Where will the USN place that LaWS for real shipboard use? I have to wonder.

Look at that monster.

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TerraN_EmpirE said:

I thought I read some thing about mounting lasers to the CIWS

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popeye said:

...LaWS can be directed onto targets from the radar track obtained from a MK 15 Phalanx Close-In Weapon system or other targeting source.

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... Last year, Boeing teamed with BAE to integrate a tactical laser system on the MK 38 Mod2 chain gun to supplement the platforms close go defence capabilities. The laser can be set for a lethal attack, or a non lethal attack that can disrupt an adversary patrol boat's electronic control systems and disable the hostile vessel, ...

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thecheeto said:

It is a different system. Here is a picture of what I think you are referring to.

View attachment 7731

I don't know anything about it though.

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Bell Unveils V-280 Valor Tiltrotor For Future Vertical Lift Program

By Colin Clark AOL defence
Published: April 10, 2013
Bell Helicopter has unveiled what may become what everyone hoped the V-22 Osprey would be, a tiltrotor able to operate at high altitudes for long ranges and with easily managed downwash.


The new aircraft, to be known as the V-280 Valor, is the company's offering for the Army's Future Vertical Lift technology demonstration program. FVL is a science and technology program to develop four classes of advanced aircraft – light, medium, heavy and ultra -- that can take off and land vertically. The first of the four to be built would be a medium-lift aircraft known as the Joint Multirole, a vehicle that could be adapted for various missions. The Valor is aimed at the Joint Multirole offering.

This would the fourth generation tilt rotor, as our colleague Rick Whittle pointed out in an email. Here's the sequence: XV-3, XV-15, V-22, V-280.

Bell unveiled the new bird at the big helicopter show, the Army Aviation Association of America's annual conference in Fort Worth.

The next big question that needs answering is, will the Army fund this program. Stay tuned.

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