The Air Force has successfully fired a plane-based laser at the hood of a test car, successfully melting it. It's like the plot of Real Genius come to life!
The chemical laser (the same idea proposed in Real Genius) was fired from a turret in the belly of a C-130 and used to "kill" a vehicle (also the intended Real Genius target). Other than being non-lethal, we think this is way less effective than a cruise missile. Just aim them at something other than cars. What really would have happened if those darn, meddling kids hadn't re-directed the laser into a house filled with a giant Jiffy Pop, in the video below. (Hat Tip to NewCarSmell!)
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