MoD Information

Experimental laser destroys artillery rounds in flight

Wed, November 06, 2002

Source: Ananova

In what it called a historic event, the US Army Space and Missile Defence Command announced that a laser had successfully destroyed an artillery projectile in flight.

Experimental laser destroys artillery rounds in flight

The US Army has successfully tested an experimental laser cannon.

The laser missile defence system destroyed two artillery rounds in flight at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico.  Officials said the system tracked each of the two-foot shells and burned them with a laser beam until they exploded.

The laser is called the Mobile Tactical High Energy Laser and is a joint project between the US and Israeli militaries.  Officials hope it will provide a defence against short-range rockets and artillery rounds.

The experimental laser is mounted on a building at the White Sands test range in southern New Mexico.  Officials eventually hope to adapt the technology for use on vehicles.