Lasers used in Iraq and Afghanistan

  • Thread starter Bricky
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In summary, these high power laser pointers are being used in various situations such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Liverpool. They are mainly being used for scare tactics, but they can be effective in certain situations.
  • #1
Bricky
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Lasers in combat? That used to happen only in "star wars" but not any more.

That cute essential little laser diode in your DVD drive/printer/PS3 etc has been put to more dynamic uses. Such as being used in trouble spots such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Liverpool.

This article gives full details on their use.

http://ezinearticles.com/index.php?...-Saving-Military-And-Civilian-Lives&id=511755
 
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  • #2
Weird article. What does this bit mean?

These high powered laser pointers are commercially available and are normally purchased by military personnel and their families online. In situations when lives are at stake, it is essential for the laser pointer to be effective. An effective laser pointer should be high power (at least 75mW), high quality components and have out standing beam specifications. Lives could easily be lost if poor quality, low power shoddy laser pointers were used.

What? Even a 500mW laser is not going to kill anyone (it can certainly blind someone easily). These lasers are mainly going to be used for scare tactics, working only on the ignorant or unsophisticated. So what difference will it make if the laser if 5mW or 500mW? Even a 5mW beam is seen well in the dark of night (via Rayleigh scattering).

Even the operator's life is not in any danger from a poorly constructed laser with a divergent beam and significant IR-leak through (from the pump laser). Eyesight might certainly be at risk, but not life.

BTW, I have personal experience with these "pointers", having recently got a 200mW ClassIIIb 532 nm (green) one. It can burn garbage bags and electrical tape and can singe skin within a couple of seconds, but it's hardly a serious deterrent. The only way it can help in a crunch is if I use it to dazzle an opponent or assailant with a direct hit to an eye (which will also leave him with retinal damage).

A taser or even a can of pepper spray would make for a better deterrent.
 
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  • #4
Bricky said:
That cute essential little laser diode in your DVD drive/printer/PS3 etc has been put to more dynamic uses. Such as being used in trouble spots such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Liverpool.

Liverpool? :bugeye:
 

1. How are lasers used in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Lasers are used in Iraq and Afghanistan for a variety of purposes, including targeting and guidance for precision weapons, communication, and surveillance. They can also be used for non-lethal purposes such as blinding and disorienting enemy forces.

2. What types of lasers are used in Iraq and Afghanistan?

The types of lasers used in Iraq and Afghanistan vary depending on their intended use. Some examples include laser designators for targeting, infrared lasers for night vision, and laser rangefinders for determining distance. Military-grade lasers are often more powerful and precise than civilian lasers.

3. Are there any safety concerns with using lasers in combat?

Yes, there are safety concerns with using lasers in combat. Military personnel are trained to follow strict guidelines and procedures when handling and using lasers to avoid accidental exposure and potential harm to themselves and others. Additionally, there have been reports of enemy forces using lasers to target and blind soldiers, highlighting the need for caution and proper use of lasers in combat situations.

4. How do lasers improve military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan?

Lasers have greatly improved military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan by providing more accurate and precise targeting for weapons, increasing situational awareness through surveillance and communication, and reducing collateral damage. They also offer a more efficient and cost-effective option compared to traditional methods of warfare.

5. How has laser technology evolved in the context of Iraq and Afghanistan?

Laser technology has evolved significantly in the context of Iraq and Afghanistan, with advancements in power, precision, and portability. Military scientists and engineers continue to research and develop new laser systems that can better assist soldiers in the field. There has also been a shift towards using directed energy weapons, which use high-power lasers to destroy or disable targets, in these conflicts.

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