Laser Burns Up Boat

John Biggs

Biggs is the East Coast Editor of TechCrunch. Biggs has written for the New York Times, InSync, USA Weekend, Popular Mechanics, Popular Science, Money and a number of other outlets on technology and wristwatches. He is the former editor-in-chief of Gizmodo.com and lives in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. You can Tweet him here and G+ him here. Email him directly at... → Learn More

Monday, April 11th, 2011

You’re riding along, living your life thinking that Star Wars is all a big joke, a work of fiction. Then, suddenly, the U.S. Navy brings out a device called the HEL laser and it can blow up boats from afar using only laser light. Lasers have been used to disable vehicles before, but this is the first time it’s worked in the moist ocean air.

The laser, when aimed at, say, an engine, essentially causes a fire, thereby disabling the craft. It’s excellent for shutting down approaching enemies or bopping pirates from afar. It also means that handheld laser blasters are only a whisper away. Comforting…

It’s not quite ready for commercial use but expect it to be able to disable your cigarette boat in due time.

via BBC