Jet planes with lasers...
The Pentagon's central research and development agency has combined the high energy density of the solid-state laser with the thermal management of the liquid laser, creating the HEL weapon: High Energy Laser Area Defense System (HELLADS). Aptly named, huh?
The HEL prototype can fire a one kilowatt (kW) beam, but a stronger version is in the works. It will weigh just 750 kg (1,650 lb), yet will produce a 150-kW beam, which could take down a missile. If all works out, the stronger HEL system will be ready by 2007.
Containment
