The United States Navy announced its new, ship borne new laser weapon is ready for action.

The Office of Naval Research this Wednesday reported their laser system called LaWS (for Laser Weapons System) performed flawlessly in tests aboard the amphibious transport dock USS Ponce in September and November.

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"Laser weapons are powerful, affordable and will play a vital role in the future of naval combat operations," said Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder, chief of naval research.

He said the Navy put the prototype weapon through some "extremely tough paces." Even given the circumstances, the laser system was able to lock on and destroy designated targets with "near-instantaneous lethality."

According to a report from the U.S. Naval Institute, the laser performed so well the commander of the USS Ponce is now authorized to use it in defense of the vessel.

Klunder says the captain of the ship has all the necessary authorities to protect sailors, Marines, and the ship if a threat presents itself. The threats include drones, helicopters and even small patrol boats.

In a video released last Wednesday, LaWS was put to the test and did it exactly what experts said it would do to these exact threats.

While science fiction often depicts laser beams shooting out in a straight, bright line, LaWS didn't anything of this sort. Instead, the targets burst into flames after being hit by LaWS. Despite high winds, high humidity and high temperatures, LaWS performed flawlessly, said the Navy.

The Navy said it's a safer weapon to use than conventional explosive weapons and it's also cost-effective. While it needs to be operated by several crew members, the laser itself can be fired by one sailor using something similar to a video-game controller.

TagsLaWS, laser