"Our approach gives a low-power route to the depth imaging of ordinary, small targets at very long range, " said Aongus McCarthy, a research fellow at Heriot-Watt.

BBC: Long-distance 3D laser camera unveiled by Edinburgh team

The capability to strike at very long range with very great accuracy using conventional weapons has been a goal of strategic air power since the invention of the airplane.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

It has been held back partly by the fact that the very long-range version has yet to be launched, because the three largest aero-engine makers have been reluctant to produce engines big enough to get it off the ground.

ECONOMIST: Aircraft making