Collin Rugg @CollinRugg JUST IN: Israel will reportedly be using their new "Iron Beam," a laser beam that can take out enemy rockets.
Unconfirmed videos are circulating showing these laser beams are now taking out enemy threats.
While an interceptor missile from the Iron Dome costs ~$50,000, the laser beam interceptor costs as low as $2 (WSJ).
The beam uses 100kW of power, 100 times more power than an average home uses.
$2 / $0.10/kwh = 20 kwh
20kwh / 100kw = 1/5 hour = 12 minutes = 720 seconds to consume $2 of electricity at 100kw rate.
According to the video the beam operates for 5 seconds. 5/720 = 0.7% Maybe the 100kw is the output power in which case the input power might be several times higher. It just doesn't seem like a smart idea to use a laser with an efficiency less than 1% as an energy weapon.
∴ The $2 cost likely includes amortized costs of wear items or a continuously operating cooling system.