# Shipshape Military Lasers Free Electron Laser by Boeing for the US Navy Gets its Sea Legs By Jami M. Lynn | Published 2010-04-25 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-electron-laser References: [armybase.us](http://www.armybase.us/2010/03/boeing-completes-preliminary-design-u-s-navys-free-electron-laser-fel-weapon-system/) & [onr.navy.mil](http://www.onr.navy.mil/en/Media-Center/Fact-Sheets/Free-Electron-Laser.aspx) [Boeing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/undersea-vehicle) Directed Energy Systems has announced the completion of the Free Electron Laser (FEL) based upon a design by the Navy. The Free Electron Laser can fire a deadly 100-kilowatt beam at threats both on the surface of the water and in the air. FELs are electrically generated, so they can use the [ship's power](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-boat-model) to provide virtually unlimited ammo with speed-of-light delivery. The Navy is interested in the Free Electron Laser because FELs have the widest frequency range of any kind of laser, and its intense beams can be tuned to a precise wavelength. Conventional lasers lack this ability. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.2/10 - Popularity: 24% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Military Laser Technology:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing advanced military laser systems for improved defense capabilities. - **Electron Laser Technology:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in advancing free electron laser technology for versatile military applications. - **Ship-based Laser Systems:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating ship-based laser systems for enhanced maritime security and defense. ### Who This Affects Most - **Defense and Security:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the defense industry by developing and manufacturing advanced laser systems for military applications. - **Photonics:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the photonics industry by advancing electron laser technology for various industrial and scientific applications. - **Maritime Technology:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the maritime technology industry by designing and implementing ship-based laser systems for naval operations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Long-Range Laser Flashlights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lumitwin-dl700.md) - [Power-Beaming Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laser-recharging-system.md) - [Digital Laser-Powered Blaster Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laser-tag-set.md) - [Ultrafast UV Laser Engravers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xlaserlab-e3.md) - [Riproaring Electric Boats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/riproaring-electric-boats.md) - [Accessibly Customized Laser Engravers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/f1-ultra.md) - [Crowdfunded EDC Flashlights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lazsaber-ls1.md) - [Emissions-Free Electric Leisure Boats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gosun-elcat-solar-electric-boat.md) - [Hydrofoiling Electric Boats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hydrofoiling-electric-boats.md)