Air Force, Boeing test laser weapon

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A plane at Kirtland Air Force base has been blasting some targets at White Sands Missile range without bullets or bombs. Instead, the plane employs a laser as its weapon of choice.

The Air Force has just released the video of the futuristic weapon at work.

This is the first time the weapon was successfully fired at a target with the intent of damaging it.

Boeing, who developed the laser, said its precision could someday reduce collateral damage during an attack.

"This milestone demonstrates that directed energy weapon systems will transform the battlespace and save lives by giving war fighters a speed-of-light, ultra-precision engagement capability that will dramatically reduce collateral damage," said Greg Hyslop, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems.

The Air Force said the laser's precision could be especially helpful in urban environments where military targets are often surrounded by noncombatants.

While Boeing and the Air Force said the recent White Sands test proves the laser and its computerized targeting system function properly, more testing is planned.

The two entities are also collaborating on another laser that will be mounted on a 747 jetliner with the aim of shooting down enemy missiles.