[sci.military] CTAS use in Gulf War?

zimerman@phoenix.princeton.edu (Jacob Ben-david Zimmerman) (02/04/91)

From: zimerman@phoenix.princeton.edu (Jacob Ben-david Zimmerman)

I remember hearing about a system called CTAS, which expands into
Counter Target-Acquisition System.  Basically, as far as I could work
out, it's simply a really really big laser, which fires through mirrors
or prisms at approaching aircraft in order to a) blind or perhaps even
damage their IR targeting systems (sounds plausible to me) and b) blind
pilots by both causing schitoma (sp?) (retina burn) and burning holes in
the retina, causing blood to blind the victim.  My question: are any of
these units in service in the US armed forces?  My understanding that
tank units (not sure what size) would get one to travel with.  More
specifically, anre any of these in service in the Gulf, and how
effective would they be against enemy tanks reather than aircraft?
Also, any corrections or amplification on my crude description
appreciated. Thanks!

-JBZimmerman!

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