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LASER - Acronym for Light
Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Although
the first laser was actually built in 1960, the concept for a
laser like device has been used by sci-fi writers since the
early part of the century.
Because the laser can cut through steel and be used for
anti-aircraft and satellite defense, it has been a natural
weapon of choice for aliens and spacemen of all kinds.
On LOST IN SPACE/CBS/1965-68 the standard weapons onboard
the spacecraft Jupiter II were laser hand guns and
rifles.
On SPACE:1999/SYN/1975-77 the perimeter of Moonbase Alpha
was protected by five computer remote-controlled laser cannons
(with a range of 100 miles) and mobile lunar laser tanks.
In addition, all 311 men and women of
Moonbase Alpha were given standard issued hand held stun guns
that emitted a light beam. Security team members carried a
special version of the gun that not only stunned but killed.
Lost in Space Laser Rifles
On BATTLESTAR GALACTICA/ABC/1978-80 laser cannons were mounted
onboard the huge spaceship Galactica and its smaller colonial
viper spacecrafts to thwart attacking Cylon fighters. On
episode "Man With Nine Lives," a fanatical Borellian cult
known as the "Nomen" used Laser Bolas which emitted a
phosphorus like explosion when the two spinning balls finally
collided on its target.
On U.F.O./SYN/1969 each invading UFO craft were equipped
with a directional laser cannon. The aliens also used rapid
fire rifles that released 200 explosive capsules per minute in
either atmosphere or vacuum.
The British sci-fi series DOCTOR WHO/SYN/1963-90 featured
an alien race known as the Daleks. They had long rifle like
extensions on their salt & pepper shaped bodies that fired a
killer laser beam. Their popular catchphrase was a garbled
"Exterminate, Exterminate." See also "Phasers"
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