Oh hell yeah.

The most powerful Naval force in the history of the world is about to add the most coveted weapon in science fiction. Laser cannons.

Although they won’t fire pulse blasts that explode enemy targets, the weaponized lasers can do severe damage to small vessels that might aim to do harm to U.S. ships.

That’s right, the Office of Naval Research is moving forward with a plan to arm ships with solid state lasers capable of taking out small enemy vessels that could be used in swarming attacks or suicide bombing mission against American warships.

“We believe it’s time to move forward with solid-state lasers and shift the focus from limited demonstrations to weapon prototype development and related technology advancement,” said Peter Morrison, program officer of the Solid-State Laser Technology Maturation program in a May 8 press release announcing the effort.

Check out the link below to find a video of a test laser totally engulfing a boat’s engine in flame.

[Defense Tech]

We got a gander of World Scott over at io9 today where he blew up a firecracker inside of a balloon with a laser. Digging through the rest of his YouTube channel, here are two other videos will worth seeing that demonstrate the supreme awesomeness of lasers.

Above, watch in awe as the majestic blue laser creates the savory champion of movie treats: popcorn. Each kernel exploding with the knowledge that it was born thanks to an awesome beam of awesomeness.

Below, start your morning off right with a cup of joe… headed by GD laser! The best part of waking up is knowing a powerful ray of light brought this brew to an appropriate temperature in your cup.

Check out the rest of his channel here.

[YouTube]

Military had a laser. It tried to shoot down a moving drone. It worked. Lasers are awesome.

What else is awesome? This quote:

Mike Booen of Raytheon gave USA Today the money quote for the day: “The targets came in over the ocean, and it was a good day for lasers, bad day for drones.”

You hear that drones? Eat it!

As is pointed out by our esteemed publisher, the next Chinese UFO that shuts down an airport better watch its six.

[CBS]