Laser Mounted on Helicopter Blasts Target in Successful US Military Test

An apache helicopter carrying a laser weapon shoots at a target in this digital rendering provided by Raytheon, the weapon's manufacturer. Courtesy by Raytheon

The U.S. military has successfully tested a laser weapon mounted on an Apache helicopter, according to a press release from Raytheon, the laser’s manufacturer.

The laser system blasted targets at various altitudes, speeds, and flight patterns, making it the first laser weapon to fire successfully from a rotary wing aircraft. According Raytheon, the successful test means that helicopters could soon be equipped with high powered lasers. 

An Apache helicopter with a mounted laser weapon. Raytheon