U.S. Navy fries ship with a laser

[Growler]

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

When a laser excites the water molecules they are converted in to kinetic energy, also photos do carry momentum.

Which, as they penetrate the successive layers of mist/vapor, are further subject to forces that will scatter/dissipate the laser's energy.

[Schroeder]

I actually fail to see what this test was supposed to proof.
Tanks have been hitting moving targets with cannons while moving themselves for decades. I believe they even use lasers to stay on target with their guns. So why should a laser on a ship not be able to stay on target?

[TLAM Strike]

Originally Posted by Growler

Which, as they penetrate the successive layers of mist/vapor, are further subject to forces that will scatter/dissipate the laser's energy.

At which point it becomes a question of saturation. If a target's Watercaster "Laser Defense System" (LDS) is in operation a target's own anti-missile lasers can't be used and its own radar system (for traditional missile defenses) will be degraded at the same time making a huge radar target of its self (big spray of H2O = Not stealthy). Plus I doubt it will be able to fire its own SAMs while shooting a huge spray of water around it.

If its LDS goes up its time for the attacker to fire a missile or two, the target then either "Drops its shields" to shoot back and eats the laser or takes its vampires like a man.

[Growler]

Originally Posted by TLAM Strike

At which point it becomes a question of saturation. If a target's Watercaster "Laser Defense System" (LDS) is in operation a target's own anti-missile lasers can't be used and its own radar system (for traditional missile defenses) will be degraded at the same time making a huge radar target of its self (big spray of H2O = Not stealthy). Plus I doubt it will be able to fire its own SAMs while shooting a huge spray of water around it.

If its LDS goes up its time for the attacker to fire a missile or two, the target then either "Drops its shields" to shoot back and eats the laser or takes its vampires like a man.

LOL... I think between the two of us, we just defined the psychology of every arms race in history, while simultaneously proving that the only way for a defender to win reliably is to take the initiative away from the attacker.

Now, that said... do ships not fire defensive weapons in the rain? I'd think that heavy rainfall'd be a higher saturation level than the defensive system would be.