The War of the Worlds heat ray as a naval weapon

Could the heat ray from The War of the Worlds be a useful naval weapon?

Yes. Its ability to penetrate an armoured belt and its possible anti-aircraft use make it suitable for naval combat.

The original Martian heat ray is accepted as a viable naval weapon because it can penetrate an armoured belt. Anti-aircraft defence is suggested as another useful role. Modern laser air-defence systems provide the comparison with a real weapon technology.