Rayguns maybe later... lasers first. =)
Got some news on laser developement from Janes.
The US Air Force Research Laboratory's Directed Energy
Directorate has awarded contracts worth US$21.3 million each to
Raytheon and TRW (now part of Northrop Grumman) to develop
solid-state lasers (SSLs) with power outputs of 25kW. The effort
forms part of the Joint High-Power Solid-State Laser program, which
plans to conduct demonstrations against representative targets by
the end of 2004. SSLs have the advantage of being smaller and
lighter than other approaches; do not employ toxic or corrosive
fluids, unlike chemical lasers; and require minimal logistic
support.
US Missile Defense Agency pursues advanced airborne laser
technologies
The US Missile Defense Agency's Airborne Laser Element has
requested proposals to conduct work that will advance the
technology and scientific knowledge in six technical
areas.
yeap, looks line in future... its gonna be a lot of lasers.
