The future isn't always as exciting as you'd think it'd be. Laser cannons, as depicted in the Star Wars universe, look like this:

This week the UK's Ministry of Defence declassified this video of their previously under-wraps DragonFire laser, which looks like this:

It looks a little cooler with colored lenses…

…but overall, I think Johnny 5 looked more intimidating.

In any case, here's what the DragonFire actually does:

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As the animations show, present-day weaponized laser technology is less about blasting something out of the sky with a single shot, and more like burning ants with a magnifying glass. Underwhelming video aside, it is still a mighty technological feat. As the MoD explains:

"DragonFire exploits UK technology to be able to deliver a high power laser over long ranges. The precision required is equivalent to hitting a £1 coin from a kilometre away. Laser-directed energy weapons can engage targets at the speed of light, and use an intense beam of light to cut through the target, leading to structural failure or more impactful results if the warhead is targeted."

And though it reportedly cost around £100 million (USD $128 million) to develop, the real aim, no pun intended, is to produce an overall ammo cost savings:

"Firing it for 10 seconds is the cost equivalent of using a regular heater for just an hour. Therefore, it has the potential to be a long-term low-cost alternative to certain tasks missiles currently carry out. The cost of operating the laser is typically less than £10 per shot."

Which reminds me of this hilarious Family Guy scene:

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