U.S. Navy isn't screwing around - laser/ machine guns coming soon

Have you ever watched a sci-fi movie and wished photon torpedoes or laser pistols were real? You're not alone. The folks at Boeing and BAE Systems are with you, and they have the means to make it, at least partially, a reality.


Back in March, the United States Navy awarded Boeing and BAE Systems a contract to build a weapon, and the two announced Monday that they are preparing a demonstration model of a ship-mounted laser cannon/ machine gun combination for use as an anti-aircraft or anti-ship weapon.

According to the press release, the weapon would combine solid-state lasers with 25mm rounds, and operators would be able to fire either, or both, at will.  The gun can fire 180 rounds per minute at an effective range of 2,000 yards or "different levels of laser energy."

The Navy has employed the use of lasers in the past, usually for targeting assistance. While this weapon will be able to do that, it will also be able to fire damaging energy bursts.

"The Mk 38 Mod 2 system is revolutionary because it combines kinetic and directed energy weapons capability," said Michael Rinn, Boeing Directed Energy Systems vice president. "Our approach is an affordable solution for the customer, because this system can be integrated seamlessly into existing shipboard command interfaces."

A prototype unit will reportedly be ready by the end of the month.