That's not it's purpose. A mortar round, missile, or soon, a rail-gun, can take out distance targets just fine. The purpose of the laser is to take out moving targets.
Enemy jets and missiles, previously fast enough to post a risk, no longer stand a chance against a vessel equipped with a laser system. It doesn't matter how fast the target is moving, as long as you can point the laser at it you can hit it. There's no 'evasive maneuvers' to counter it.
I can see it now, all those laser immune chrome plated MIGs terrorizing the US navy. Not like it would make them even easier to spot and shoot with a conventional weapon.
That's not it's purpose. A mortar round, missile, or soon, a rail-gun, can take out distance targets just fine. The purpose of the laser is to take out moving targets.
Enemy jets and missiles, previously fast enough to post a risk, no longer stand a chance against a vessel equipped with a laser system. It doesn't matter how fast the target is moving, as long as you can point the laser at it you can hit it. There's no 'evasive maneuvers' to counter it.
Computer enhanced targeting and shooting at the speed of light.
The evasive maneuver is a can of chrome spray paint.
I can see it now, all those laser immune chrome plated MIGs terrorizing the US navy. Not like it would make them even easier to spot and shoot with a conventional weapon.