Picture is here

http://lenta.ru/news/2008/08/20/heltd/

Story is here

http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/...80819a_nr.html

If it could quickly shoot down fast moving things such as artillery
shells, I think that it will be very revolutionary.

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Boeing Awarded Contract to Continue Developing Mobile Laser Weapon

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 19, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has been
awarded a U.S. Army contract valued at approximately $36 million to
continue developing a truck-mounted, high-energy laser weapon system
that will destroy rockets, artillery shells and mortar rounds.

Under the High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator (HEL TD) Phase II
contract, awarded Aug. 15, Boeing will complete the design of, then
build, test and evaluate, a rugged beam control system on a Heavy
Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck. Boeing also will develop the
system-engineering requirements for the entire HEL TD laser weapon
system. Boeing successfully completed the preliminary design of the
beam control system earlier this summer.

"This contract award is an important win for Boeing because it
supports a cornerstone of the Army's high-energy laser program," said
Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile
Defense Systems. "HEL TD will give warfighters a transformational
capability to counter the difficult threats posed by rockets,
artillery shells and mortar projectiles."

"Boeing spent the past year developing the preliminary design of the
HEL TD beam control system, and we appreciate the confidence the Army
has shown in our efforts by awarding us these contract options to
continue working on the program," said Gary Fitzmire, vice president
and program director of Boeing Directed Energy Systems.

The objective of the HEL TD program is to demonstrate that a mobile,
solid-state laser weapon system can effectively counter rocket,
artillery and mortar projectiles. The program will support the
transition to a full-fledged Army acquisition program.

Boeing leads the way in developing high-energy laser systems for a
variety of warfighter applications. These systems include the Airborne
Laser, the Advanced Tactical Laser, the Tactical Relay Mirror System
and Laser Avenger.

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