Laser guns are capable of killing two planes simultaneously

A German defense technology company has successfully tested a laser-firing system capable of destroying two aircraft flying far apart.

The company's Rheinmetall Defense system launches two laser beams
simultaneous removal of two unmanned aircraft. (Photo: Rheinmetall Defense)

In testing, Rheinmetall Defense's radar system uses radar and optical devices to detect and track two planes while they are flying. It then fired two 50KW lasers to kill the two planes. It also cut a steel beam at a distance of one kilometer and hit a steel ball in midair.

Rheinmetall Defense has tested the laser emission system in a variety of weather conditions - including sun, snow and rain. The company's management revealed that they would make a portable version of the laser gun, while adding automatic firecrackers to the system.

A number of government and military weapons manufacturers are developing laser-firing devices. For instance, the Raytheon Group has launched anti-aircraft laser guns at the 2010 Farnborough International Air Show in the UK. In June 2012, the US military also announced laser-guided weapons for guiding Lightning to targets on the battlefield.