The US Navy released a video yesterday that demonstrated its new LaWS (Laser Weapon System). With it, they were able to destroy a drone heading in the direction of the USS Dewey, a guided-missile destroyer that is temporarily carrying the weapon system. “You’ve seen what it’s suited to: A small drone, or something like that,” said Navy Admiral Jonathan Greenert. “It might also be suited to be able to address small boats or fast craft.” The real question that everyone is asking, particularly at this time with North Korea rattling their sabre, is whether or not it could be used to shoot down a fast-moving…

If the three-strikes-rule were in effect, the Air Force would be out of luck for testing its X-51A Waverider cruise missile as the supersonic rocket failed again to activate its scramjet propulsion system. The project has cost $300 million so far and there may not be enough budget (or will power) left for a fourth test. As part of the US Air Force’s “prompt global strike” initiative, the missile was supposed to give the military the ability to strike targets anywhere in the world in a matter of minutes. As a cruise missile, it would not be perceived as a nuclear threat and accidentally prompt a nuclear…

Warfare at sea has always had certain challenges that technology has had to overcome. Large cannons and missile launchers have always been a challenge because they can literally rock the boat in ways that can cause mayhem or even damage during launch. On top of the physical shock associated with launches, there’s also the heat from the discharge that must be considered. This video shows a technique against a stunning dawn (or dusk) backdrop that shows how a little ingenuity, some smart minds, and modern science can solve the problems that have plagued war vessels for centuries. …