"B2431" wrote in message
...
From: "Bjørnar Bolsøy" am
Date: 1/2/2004 1:15 PM Central Standard Time
Message-id:

With weight ever decreasing, does anyone know if there has been/is
a project on something like this:

http://members.rogers.com/biglasers/continuous/abl.html

..intended to replace this?

http://www.military.cz/usa/navy/weap...phalanx_en.htm


Not likely. The ABL is designed to be fired in the clear air at altitude.
A
ship borne version would face problems with smoke, fog and sea spray
interferance.

It is true that the near sea surface is a bad propagation environment
for most laser weapons. However, for a short range defensive weapon,
propagation over long range isn't an issue.
The idea is thought about on occasion, but I don't know that it has
advanced to the level of "project". Improved close in weapons systems
just aren't high on the Navy's priority list right now.