In a scene right out of Star Trek (which is based on the Navy construct, by the way), a C-130 equipped with a laser recently engaged a vehicle on the ground with fascinating results.  The laser sparked and burned the hood of a parked car, and Boeing, the commercial contractor, said that it “killed” the vehicle.

The C-130 carried a belly-mounted turret from which it fired its Airborne Tactical Laser (ATL).  The ATL has been under development for some time, though it may have been eclipsed in the news by the Airborne Laser (ABL), which is intended to shoot down ballistic missiles.  Both are chemical-based lasers that require huge infrastructures to operate.  The ATL fills a C-130, and the ABL is currently housed in a 747 jumbo jet.

Long the topic of science fiction, many have speculated about when the military would field directed energy weapons.  (Some also question whether such technology violates the Geneva Conventions.)  Others just wonder if they’re going to install padded swivel chairs in the center of the cockpit for the Captain.

The US military has long maintained its dominance by remaining on the cutting edge, even if that cutting edge technology was never used.  Deterrence, after all, is often preferable to violence, but the ability to wage effective violence (via such modern technology) is necessary for effective deterrence.

The F-22, F-35, ABL, ATL, UAVs, and a host of other technologies (some classified) continue the American example of how the best materiel (even if it is expensive) enables the US to deter aggressors, influence the world, and decisively win in conflict if necessary.

The Air Force Times reports on the ATL, and the Boeing videos can be seen on their site.