Description of the article: Prototyping (Article Sample)

Prototyping
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Description of the article
In “Navy Deploying Laser Weapon Prototype Near Iran,” Thom Shanker a writer for the New York Times focuses on the use of a laser weapon to be deployed in the Persian Gulf. The prototype laser weapon was to be mounted on a Navy ship. The author highlights that the prototype is one of the few that would undergo trial, highlighting the changing phase of war efforts and U.S. army capabilities
Surprising thing about
Even though, there is more than one prototype, the use of a laser system to control the mechanism of the prototype, and this essential in finding out whether the system was effective in identifying targets to be destroyed or disabled (McGlaun, 2014). Hence, choosing the most suitable prototype for the army was a concern given that there was a need to focus on the most effective ways to reduce costly munitions.
Summary
It was surprising to find out that laser beams could be integrated into the weapons system to improve accuracy of missile. For ship based weapons, the use of the energy lasers is a cost effective way to counter missile targets (Shanker, 2013). Nonetheless, the accuracy of the prototype is dependent on weather conditions. This is because weather conditions including smoke, dust and water vapour affect the capability of the laser system (Shanker, 2013).
Purpose of prototyping
Even though, the prototype was not deemed to be effective like missiles and jet fighters, there are promising results that final development of the system are likely to be beneficial if there is better technology. One major concern is that the system needs to be tested when there is constant supply of electric energy. Overall, the high energy laser pulses have the capability to target moving objects faster than other prototypes since the laser beams travel at the same speed of light.
References
McGlaun, S. (2014). U.S. Navy's Prototype Laser Weapon to Begin Shipboard Testing in Late Summer: Laser weapon will be ...