A video overview of the Directed Energy Directorate.  9 minutes and  9 seconds long.

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WMV Video: 19.1 MB
MPG Video: 99MB

The Advanced Tactical Laser is a major Department of Defense technology project receiving technical expertise and support from the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Directed Energy Directorate at Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico.

The Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response (PHaSR) is a rifle-sized laser weapon system that uses two non-lethal laser wavelengths to deter, prevent, or mitigate an adversary’s effectiveness.  The laser light generated by this weapon illuminates or “dazzles” aggressors, temporarily impairing individuals and their ability to see the laser source.

This artist concept shows the Airborne Laser in flight, firing its megawatt laser to destroy a ballistic missile hundreds of miles away.

A Boeing 747-400 series aircraft, modified to carry a megawatt-class laser, links to an USAF tanker to evaluate its air-to-air refueling capability.  The Airborne Laser is designed to destroy ballistic missiles shortly after being launched.