From the footage I have seen on laser-intercept tests the missile don't blow up like they would normally; instead, they disable key components and do have a smaller subsequent explosion, as those components heat up very quickly. However, according to [url=http://www.space.com/missionlaunches/launches/laser_shootdown_000926.html]the news story[/b] this particular system seems to detonate the warhead. [img]graemlins/erm.gif[/img] There seems to be some discrpancy between the date of the story on my web search and the date in the story itself....
Anyway...even if the range of the chemical laser is only 1 km that will effetively render any non-nuclear missile useless. The worst problem facing laser systems now is their size, since they require large trucks to carry all the needed equipment. You would have to position laser trucks carefully so as to create a successful line of defense; they couldn't do their job on the move.
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On a related topic, laser rifles are also in development. However, these rifles don't burn holes through things or any such silly movie-type nonsense; they will blind you, though. Very deadly if used against a pilot effectively....
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