The US Navy released a new photo of USS Preble (DDG-88) firing her HELIOS laser

[quintessentone]

I don't think thats the case with the HELIOS laser, it's not a lightsaber, Luke.

to be lethal it has to focus on a tight area of the target thats my understanding looking for citation.

Yes, that makes sense. So why can't we find out any information as to the laser beam's strength along it's trajectory and distance travelled or if the beam can be controlled that way or for a specific stopping point?

[Zaphod58]

Know why it is classified? Could be because the beam continues onwards and upwards or sideways or downwards after disintegrating it's target?

One youtube video I just watched showed how the laser beam is to be used from satellite to ground receiver, and the ending of the video the narrator stated that if the beam somehow misses the receiver then the outcome is that "your guess is as good as mine" then a burning forest was shown.

Know why it is classified? Could be because the beam continues onwards and upwards or sideways or downwards after disintegrating it's target?

One youtube video I just watched showed how the laser beam is to be used from satellite to ground receiver, and the ending of the video the narrator stated that if the beam somehow misses the receiver then the outcome is that "your guess is as good as mine" then a burning forest was shown.

It’s classified for the same reason most weapons system details are classified. The more information the easier it is to counter it.

[quintessentone]

It’s classified for the same reason most weapons system details are classified. The more information the easier it is to counter it.

That goes without saying if my question was regarding countering the tech. But my question was specifically about what happens to the beam after striking a target. To me it is suspect why myself and another member here can't find any specific information on that, so perhaps it is classified because the people would be not only panicked as to the absolute lack of responsibility in ensuring the beam stops at the target and goes no further. And if I can easily find information regarding the laser satellite/receiver tech then countering that would be an easy project for an enemy (just blow up the receiver).

[Zaphod58]

It’s classified for the same reason most weapons system details are classified. The more information the easier it is to counter it.

That goes without saying if my question was regarding countering the tech. But my question was specifically about what happens to the beam after striking a target. To me it is suspect why myself and another member here can't find any specific information on that, so perhaps it is classified because the people would be not only panicked as to the absolute lack of responsibility in ensuring the beam stops at the target and goes no further. And if I can easily find information regarding the laser satellite/receiver tech then countering that would be an easy project for an enemy (just blow up the receiver).

The beam does what all lasers do. It stops at the target, until burn through, then attenuates once it burns through and continues on its way.

The classification of what happens to the beam is all part of information that can be used to figure out a lot about it that they don’t want figured out. If you know how far it can travel you can figure out how much power it has. If you know how wide the beam is you can figure out other information. So no, they’re not going to say what happens.

[Nerb]

How would high density automated directional Mirrors fair against one of these lasers?

I bet they developed them side by side with this system to understand the limitations and how to beat them.

Just spitballing.

[Zaphod58]

How would high density automated directional Mirrors fair against one of these lasers?

I bet they developed them side by side with this system to understand the limitations and how to beat them.

Just spitballing.

That's one reason power levels won't be released, except in general terms. A mirror coating isn't going to make a huge difference. Mirrors don't reflect 100%, so it might slightly delay a high power laser burning through it but that's all.