Apparently, Laser Weapons Have Been Used In The Vietnam War, Installed On AAV Ranpurs With Viet Cong Sniper Targets

Although it has been claimed several times that it has been successfully tested, however, the adoption of laser weapons is still under development, as if there is still 'confidence' in the operation of this high-energy weapon. But did you know that laser weapons were already being developed during the Vietnam War era.

And what is unique, one of the adoptions of this laser weapon is that it is placed on the amphibious armored Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAV) armored platform, also known as LVTP-7 in Indonesia. From the Twitter account @masao_dahlgren, it is said that the mobile test unit (MTU) of this laser weapon was developed by the United States Army (US Army) in 1972.

Read; Norway Accepts Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Request, Has Sent Hanud Missiles Although Not NASAMS

The need at that time was that laser weapons were prepared to attack Viet Cong snipers who were in around the river, where the presence of snipers often troubles the movement of US troops.

In June 1976, in an MTU test the laser gun on the AAV managed to shoot down two drones, which were modified to make it more flammable (the metal fuel line was replaced with a “softer” one). However, recently the military is not satisfied with the performance of the MTU, because the CO2 laser emission is only limited to recording a power of 25 kW, which is below the desired target of 50 kW.

And finally, the MTU prototype development program on the AAV was officially terminated in October 1976. However, it was the first time a vehicle-carrying laser gun had successfully shot down a mid-air target.

When MTU trials of laser weapons were carried out, AAVs were also new to the US military, where FMC Corporation's AAVs were only handed over to the Marine Corps (USMC) in 1972.

Read; 7 Exotic Countries Without Military Power and its Impact on the Surrounding Countries

The AAV weighs 30 tons, while it is 7.94 meters long, 3.27 meters wide and 3.26 meters high. This Ranpur has a maximum speed of 64 km per hour on land and 14 km per hour in water. Manned by 3 personnel, the AAV alias LVTP-7 can carry 25 landing troops.

Follow Daily Post on Google News to update information quickly. Thank you for visiting our website..!! Don't forget to share any information to help develop our website..