Laser Weapons: The Dawn of a New Military Age

Our fascination and appreciation of modern weaponry is at an all-time high. With the wonders and horrors of the Persian Gulf war fresh in our minds, the development of laser weapon technology conjures up Flash Gordon-like images of vaporizing enemies, demolishing buildings, and burning through metal. In this exciting and thought-provoking book, Major General Bengt Anderberg of the Swedish Armed Forces and Dr. Myron L. Wolbarsht - acclaimed coauthor of Safety with Lasers - separate fact from fiction and reveal what modern miracles and perils this powerful new technology may bring. Armed forces in many countries are already using a great number of laser devices, and the inexorable pace of progress in developing special laser weapons indicates that they will ultimately revolutionize the modern battlefield. Practically invisible when fired, silent, capable of pinpoint accuracy, and traveling at the speed of light, laser weapons would seem to offer unparalleled advantages over conventional weapons. While this may be true, once unleashed, this awesome power can trigger other devastating consequences as well. Anti-eye laser weapons are currently being developed that can result in the mass blinding of soldiers, pilots, and tank crews. Laser experts Anderberg and Wolbarsht describe the staggering medical, societal, and psychological ramifications that the use of laser weapons will entail. Furthermore, they explore the historical development of these weapons and how far other countries, including France, England, and Russia, have progressed in their technology. Anderberg and Wolbarsht clearly illustrate how these awesome weapons can be used successfully against the enemy, as well as how theirstrength can be abused if they are employed indiscriminately. This intriguing, comprehensive work will prove indispensable to the layman and professional alike as we embark upon the laser weapon age.