Phalanx Fitted With Laser and Passes Test Phalanx Fitted With Laser and Passes Test

StrategyPage: Phalanx Fitted With Laser and Passes Test tells of an interesting twist on our Phalanx anti-missle systems. Instead of a 20mm high speed cannon, a solid state laser is used that is able to detect and destroy a 60mm mortar shell (which is smaller than any current rocket) at a range of "over 500 meters". This is esp. attractive to the Israelis who need something to shoot down incoming rockets and mortar shells, but don't like the idea of the spent ammunition falling back to earth (remember, the Phalanx was originally designed for shipboard use).