US MILITARY DEVELOPING LASER BEAM GUNSHIP

Yep, you read that headline right--this is a real laser weapon not unlike the blasters in Star Wars or the phasers on Star Trek. Here's a clip from [http://www.insightmag.com/Media/MediaManager/laser.htm|a January 30, 2006 article] at InsightMag.Com:

The U.S. military has been developing a gunship that could literally obliterate enemy ground targets with a laser beam.

The military plans to test the Advanced Tactical Laser, a laser weapon mounted on a C-130H air transport that could destroy any weapon system without collateral damage.

The laser could have tremendous repercussions on the battlefield, particularly in urban warfare in such countries as Afghanistan and Iraq. "It's the kind of tool that could bring about victory within minutes," an official said.

The applications of ATL could change military dynamics on the battlefield. Officials envision the laser being able to destroy or damage targets in an urban area with virtually no collateral damage. The range of ATL was expected to be 10 miles.

Damn, ten miles!!