Russia Claims Laser Weapon Can Destroy Drones: Is it Possible?

In summary, the Telegraph has reported on Russia's claims of having a laser weapon that can destroy drones up to 1,500km away. However, the feasibility of such a weapon is uncertain due to potential scattering and energy absorption by the atmosphere. The use of reflective or heat-resistant surfaces could potentially mitigate the effects of the laser. The cancellation of the Airborne Laser project by the US Air Force was seen as a disappointment, as it could have had a range of a few hundred kilometers. The practicality of a 1,800km range for targeting satellites is also questioned.
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  • #2
It would be difficult, but with a large enough aperture and suitable targeting mechanisms, you could cook a satellite in 5 seconds and render it space junk.

I don't expect to see such a machine in my lifetime.

It would create an interesting problem for Elon. The exact methods he is using to keep his constellation from being a nuisance to astronomers would tend to make his satellites more vulnerable to such a laser.

Against a laser, you would want reflective surface. But a dark surface that can take the heat would work as well. Communication satellites could be readily hardened. Optical satellites would be a different matter.
 
  • #3
I was disappointed when the Airborne Laser was cancelled:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_YAL-1

It seems to fit the bill, with a range of a few hundred km. I'm not sure what the point of 1,800 km would be, as that's much higher than most satellites (but lower than geosynchronous/stationary).
 

FAQ: Russia Claims Laser Weapon Can Destroy Drones: Is it Possible?

How does the laser weapon work?

The laser weapon uses concentrated beams of light to target and destroy drones. The beams are powerful enough to melt the materials on the surface of the drone, causing it to malfunction or crash.

Can the laser weapon be used against other targets besides drones?

Yes, the laser weapon can potentially be used against other targets such as missiles, aircraft, and ground vehicles. However, the effectiveness may vary depending on the size and composition of the target.

What is the range of the laser weapon?

The range of the laser weapon depends on various factors such as atmospheric conditions and power of the laser. In ideal conditions, the range can reach up to several kilometers.

Is it possible for the laser weapon to cause collateral damage?

There is always a risk of collateral damage with any weapon, including the laser weapon. However, the precision and accuracy of the laser beam can reduce the chances of collateral damage compared to traditional weapons.

How does Russia's laser weapon compare to other countries' laser weapons?

It is difficult to compare the capabilities of different countries' laser weapons as the technology is still in its early stages and not widely used in combat situations. However, Russia's claims of successfully destroying drones with their laser weapon demonstrate its potential effectiveness.

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