[Technology/Weapons] Beam assisted munitions.

[Sam Baughn]

I've read a few science fiction settings where projectile weapons are 'boosted' by firing a beam (typically a laser or particle beam) into the back / underside of the projectile. This is generally supposed to increase the range and/or velocity of the projectile somehow (for example by heating the air underneath a mortar shell to give it additional lift).

Does anyone have any idea if this is practical and, if so, what advantages this would have over a normal shell or rocket?

[Galifestus]

I have read somewhere about this as an ongoing DoD project. Your summary of the idea is correct as I've read it, Usually a propellant is being burned by the laser to give the added lift/thrust in the current versions.

[hcobb]

Originally Posted by Perfect Organism

I've read a few science fiction settings where projectile weapons are 'boosted' by firing a beam (typically a laser or particle beam) into the back / underside of the projectile. This is generally supposed to increase the range and/or velocity of the projectile somehow (for example by heating the air underneath a mortar shell to give it additional lift).

Model it as RAP with a laser rocket.