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A comment on US Navy ready to deploy laser for first time. Parent comment

Re:US Navy ready to deploy laser for first time by Havoc on Tuesday February 18, 2014 @11:13AM (#7258879)
>I think "most of that" is a little overly optimistic. Target tracking is a complex problem

I disagree. The current complexity of target tracking comes mostly from that fact that you need to work out firstly where the thing is, secondly where its heading (in 3 dimensions & in real time) and third how fast. Having a +- zero flight time means you only need to do the first step. You can always rinse & repeat if its a laser pulse.

Essentially its the difference between hitting a moving car with a tennis ball and hitting a stationary car with a tennis ball. Thats why I think it would solve "most of that".

Obviously if the laser isn't a pulse(s) then you're back to square one.

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Re:US Navy ready to deploy laser for first time by ChrisOstler on Tuesday February 18, 2014 @11:34AM (#7259027)
That assumes that aiming the laser is instantaneous, too. I have no idea if that is the case or not.
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Re:US Navy ready to deploy laser for first time by Havoc on Wednesday February 19, 2014 @10:02AM (#7263917)
>That assumes that aiming the laser is instantaneous, too.

I was simplifying quite a bit & making assumptions yes. Another slightly sketchy assumption is that the laser fires instantly...chances are there is some kind of power up delay.

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