diff --git a/BuildController.gd b/BuildController.gd
index 96a905c..02de479 100644
--- a/BuildController.gd
+++ b/BuildController.gd
@@ -31,13 +31,13 @@ const VESSEL_DEFINITIONS = preload("res://VesselDefinitions.gd")
 @onready var lab_vessel_buttons: Array = [
 	get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselA"), get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselB"),
 	get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselC"), get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselD"),
-	get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselE"),
+	get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselE"), get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselF"),
 ]
 @onready var lab_vessel_label: Label = get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselLabel")
 @onready var lab_vessel_labels: Array = [
 	get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselALabel"), get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselBLabel"),
 	get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselCLabel"), get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselDLabel"),
-	get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselELabel"),
+	get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselELabel"), get_node("../UI/LabMenu/VesselFLabel"),
 ]
 @onready var lab_detail: Label = get_node("../UI/LabMenu/DetailLabel")
 @onready var lab_status: Label = get_node("../UI/LabMenu/StatusLabel")
@@ -66,24 +66,28 @@ const VESSEL_DEFINITIONS = preload("res://VesselDefinitions.gd")
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/AvailableShield"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/AvailableGasBomber"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/AvailableCarrier"),
+	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/AvailableLaser"),
 ]
 @onready var hangar_available_labels: Array = [
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/AvailableInterceptorLabel"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/AvailableShieldLabel"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/AvailableGasBomberLabel"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/AvailableCarrierLabel"),
+	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/AvailableLaserLabel"),
 ]
 @onready var hangar_fleet_slots: Array = [
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/FleetInterceptor"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/FleetShield"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/FleetGasBomber"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/FleetCarrier"),
+	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/FleetLaser"),
 ]
 @onready var hangar_fleet_labels: Array = [
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/FleetInterceptorLabel"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/FleetShieldLabel"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/FleetGasBomberLabel"),
 	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/FleetCarrierLabel"),
+	get_node("../UI/HangarMenu/FleetLaserLabel"),
 ]
 var build_menu_entries: Array = []
 
@@ -111,11 +115,15 @@ var lab_building_id: int = 0
 @onready var craft_gas_bomber_label: Label = get_node("../UI/CraftMenu/GasBomberLabel")
 @onready var craft_carrier_button: IconButton = get_node("../UI/CraftMenu/CarrierButton")
 @onready var craft_carrier_label: Label = get_node("../UI/CraftMenu/CarrierLabel")
+@onready var craft_laser_button: IconButton = get_node("../UI/CraftMenu/LaserButton")
+@onready var craft_laser_label: Label = get_node("../UI/CraftMenu/LaserLabel")
 @onready var craft_vessel_buttons: Array = [
 	craft_interceptor_button, craft_shield_button, craft_gas_bomber_button, craft_carrier_button,
+	craft_laser_button,
 ]
 @onready var craft_vessel_labels: Array = [
 	craft_interceptor_label, craft_shield_label, craft_gas_bomber_label, craft_carrier_label,
+	craft_laser_label,
 ]
 
 # --- the transfer panel (#24) ---------------------------------------------
diff --git a/GameController.gd b/GameController.gd
index 5e9b21f..e3cb346 100644
--- a/GameController.gd
+++ b/GameController.gd
@@ -22,6 +22,12 @@ extends Node2D
 @onready var pivot_cw_button: IconButton = get_node_or_null("UI/PivotCWButton")
 @onready var pivot_ccw_button: IconButton = get_node_or_null("UI/PivotCCWButton")
 @onready var gas_bomb_controller: GasBombController = get_node_or_null("GasBombController")
+# Untyped on purpose: LaserController resolves fine as a static type when a
+# script IS the -s entry point, but the same class_name reference fails to
+# parse ("Could not find type") when the script holding it is only reached
+# indirectly - e.g. Main.tscn loaded from inside a _screenshot_tool.gd
+# preview - for a class_name this new. Node + duck-typed calls sidesteps it.
+@onready var laser_controller: Node = get_node_or_null("LaserController")
 
 var touches: Dictionary = {}
 var pinch_active: bool = false
@@ -255,6 +261,8 @@ func _handle_touch(event: InputEventScreenTouch) -> void:
 	# else on screen.
 	if gas_bomb_controller != null and gas_bomb_controller.handle_touch(event):
 		return
+	if laser_controller != null and laser_controller.handle_touch(event):
+		return
 	if _handle_pivot_touch(event):
 		return
 	if joystick != null and joystick.visible and joystick.handle_touch(event):
@@ -277,6 +285,8 @@ func _handle_touch(event: InputEventScreenTouch) -> void:
 func _handle_drag(event: InputEventScreenDrag) -> void:
 	if gas_bomb_controller != null and gas_bomb_controller.handle_drag(event):
 		return
+	if laser_controller != null and laser_controller.handle_drag(event):
+		return
 	if joystick != null and joystick.visible and joystick.handle_drag(event):
 		return
 	if not touches.has(event.index):
diff --git a/GameState.gd b/GameState.gd
index cfc0c2d..ced08da 100644
--- a/GameState.gd
+++ b/GameState.gd
@@ -464,6 +464,7 @@ const VESSEL_SHIELD: String = "shield"
 const VESSEL_GAS_BOMBER: String = "gas_bomber"
 const VESSEL_TRANSPORTER: String = "transporter"
 const VESSEL_CARRIER: String = "carrier"
+const VESSEL_LASER: String = "laser"
 
 # Compatibility constants for callers and old tests. Runtime metadata is
 # resolved from VesselDefinition below.
diff --git a/IconButton.gd b/IconButton.gd
index 6a5e02f..62878a0 100644
--- a/IconButton.gd
+++ b/IconButton.gd
@@ -38,6 +38,9 @@ enum Icon {
 	# Same append-only rule (#57): a wide hauler hull, distinct from every
 	# vessel glyph above.
 	CARRIER_VESSEL,
+	# #58: LASER_VESSEL is the ship glyph, LASER_SHOT the action button -
+	# same two-icon split as GAS_BOMBER/GAS_BOMB above.
+	LASER_VESSEL, LASER_SHOT,
 }
 
 # Size the glyphs were originally drawn against. Every glyph dimension is
@@ -232,6 +235,10 @@ func _draw() -> void:
 			_draw_gas_burner_icon(center, pulse, s)
 		Icon.CARRIER_VESSEL:
 			_draw_carrier(center, pulse, s)
+		Icon.LASER_VESSEL:
+			_draw_laser_vessel(center, pulse, s)
+		Icon.LASER_SHOT:
+			_draw_laser_shot(center, pulse, s)
 
 
 func _draw_close(center: Vector2, pulse: float, s: float) -> void:
@@ -270,6 +277,26 @@ func _draw_carrier(center: Vector2, pulse: float, s: float) -> void:
 	NeonDraw.draw_glowing_polygon(self, hull, _active_color(), pulse, core_color)
 
 
+func _draw_laser_vessel(center: Vector2, pulse: float, s: float) -> void:
+	# A slim dart rather than the interceptor's plain triangle - the notch at
+	# the nose reads as a fixed forward-facing emitter, not a hull point.
+	var hull := PackedVector2Array([
+		center + Vector2(0, -13) * s,
+		center + Vector2(-8, 9) * s,
+		center + Vector2(-3, 6) * s,
+		center + Vector2(3, 6) * s,
+		center + Vector2(8, 9) * s,
+	])
+	NeonDraw.draw_glowing_polygon(self, hull, _active_color(), pulse, core_color)
+
+
+func _draw_laser_shot(center: Vector2, pulse: float, s: float) -> void:
+	var from: Vector2 = center + Vector2(-9, 9) * s
+	var to: Vector2 = center + Vector2(9, -9) * s
+	NeonDraw.draw_glowing_line(self, from, to, _active_color(), pulse, 1.1, core_color)
+	NeonDraw.draw_glowing_circle(self, to, 3.0 * s, _active_color(), pulse, core_color)
+
+
 func _draw_gas_bomber(center: Vector2, pulse: float, s: float) -> void:
 	var hull := PackedVector2Array([
 		center + Vector2(0, -12) * s,
diff --git a/LaserController.gd b/LaserController.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..78f8e81
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LaserController.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,197 @@
+class_name LaserController
+extends Node2D
+
+# Same press-drag-release aiming plumbing as GasBombController, adapted for
+# an instant beam rather than a lobbed, timed projectile: there is no travel
+# time or explosion delay - the beam strikes the instant the shot fires, and
+# only a brief flash lingers for feedback. Damage/range/cooldown are read
+# straight off the firing ship's own VesselLaserComponent (already resolved
+# from vessel_stat/upgrades) rather than hardcoded here, unlike the bomber's
+# AOE_RADIUS/DAMAGE/COOLDOWN.
+#
+# Reused as-is by both Main.tscn and PlanetSurface.tscn (same relative
+# ../Fleet, ../Camera2D, ../UI/LaserButton paths as GasBombController), so
+# it works identically in space and on a landed surface with no branching.
+
+const BEAM_COLOR := Color(0.3, 0.9, 1.0)
+const TARGET_COLOR := Color(0.6, 0.95, 1.0)
+const BEAM_HALF_WIDTH := 22.0
+const DRAG_DEADZONE := 22.0
+const FLASH_DURATION := 0.22
+
+@export var minimum_zoom: float = 0.4
+@onready var fleet: Node2D = get_node("../Fleet")
+@onready var camera: Camera2D = get_node("../Camera2D")
+@onready var button: IconButton = get_node("../UI/LaserButton")
+
+var aiming := false
+var aim_touch := -1
+var aim_start_screen := Vector2.ZERO
+var aim_screen := Vector2.ZERO
+var aim_target := Vector2.ZERO
+var saved_zoom := 1.0
+var restoring_zoom := false
+var beams: Array = []
+var last_hit_count := 0
+
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	button.visible = false
+	queue_redraw()
+
+
+func _process(delta: float) -> void:
+	var had_visuals := aiming or not beams.is_empty()
+	button.visible = fleet.has_capability("laser")
+	button.enabled = _next_ready_laser_ship() != null
+	if not button.visible and aiming:
+		_cancel_aim()
+
+	if restoring_zoom and not aiming:
+		var z := move_toward(camera.zoom.x, saved_zoom, maxf(saved_zoom, 0.1) * delta * 5.0)
+		camera.zoom = Vector2(z, z)
+		if is_equal_approx(z, saved_zoom):
+			restoring_zoom = false
+
+	for i in range(beams.size() - 1, -1, -1):
+		var beam: Dictionary = beams[i]
+		beam.time = maxf(float(beam.time) - delta, 0.0)
+		if float(beam.time) <= 0.0:
+			beams.remove_at(i)
+	if aiming or not beams.is_empty() or had_visuals:
+		queue_redraw()
+
+
+func can_begin_aim() -> bool:
+	return button.visible and button.enabled and not button._blocked_by_modal() \
+		and not aiming
+
+
+func handle_touch(event: InputEventScreenTouch) -> bool:
+	if event.pressed:
+		if not can_begin_aim() or not Rect2(button.global_position, button.size).has_point(event.position):
+			return false
+		aiming = true
+		aim_touch = event.index
+		aim_start_screen = event.position
+		aim_screen = event.position
+		saved_zoom = camera.zoom.x
+		restoring_zoom = false
+		button.pressed_down = true
+		button.queue_redraw()
+		_update_aim()
+		return true
+	if event.index != aim_touch:
+		return false
+	var should_fire := aim_start_screen.distance_to(aim_screen) >= DRAG_DEADZONE
+	if should_fire:
+		_fire()
+	else:
+		_cancel_aim()
+	return true
+
+
+func handle_drag(event: InputEventScreenDrag) -> bool:
+	if not aiming or event.index != aim_touch:
+		return false
+	aim_screen = event.position
+	_update_aim()
+	return true
+
+
+func _aim_origin() -> Vector2:
+	return fleet.get_centroid()
+
+
+func _aim_max_range() -> float:
+	var ship: Node2D = _next_ready_laser_ship()
+	if ship == null:
+		return 950.0
+	var component: Node = ship.get_component("laser")
+	return component.beam_range if component != null else 950.0
+
+
+func _update_aim() -> void:
+	# A beam always reaches its full range - only the DIRECTION is aimed,
+	# unlike the bomb's drag-controlled distance.
+	var drag := aim_screen - aim_start_screen
+	var origin: Vector2 = _aim_origin()
+	var direction: Vector2 = drag.normalized() if drag.length() > 0.001 else Vector2.UP
+	aim_target = origin + direction * _aim_max_range()
+	_update_aim_zoom(origin, aim_target)
+	queue_redraw()
+
+
+func _update_aim_zoom(origin: Vector2, target: Vector2) -> void:
+	var displacement := target - origin
+	var half_screen := get_viewport_rect().size * 0.5 - Vector2(54.0, 54.0)
+	var fit_x := saved_zoom if absf(displacement.x) < 1.0 else half_screen.x / (absf(displacement.x) + BEAM_HALF_WIDTH)
+	var fit_y := saved_zoom if absf(displacement.y) < 1.0 else half_screen.y / (absf(displacement.y) + BEAM_HALF_WIDTH)
+	var desired := clampf(minf(saved_zoom, minf(fit_x, fit_y)), minimum_zoom, saved_zoom)
+	camera.zoom = Vector2(desired, desired)
+
+
+func _finish_aim() -> void:
+	aiming = false
+	aim_touch = -1
+	button.pressed_down = false
+	button.queue_redraw()
+	restoring_zoom = true
+
+
+func _cancel_aim() -> void:
+	_finish_aim()
+	queue_redraw()
+
+
+func _fire() -> void:
+	var shooter: Node2D = _next_ready_laser_ship()
+	if shooter == null:
+		_cancel_aim()
+		return
+	var component: Node = shooter.get_component("laser")
+	if not component.consume_shot():
+		_cancel_aim()
+		return
+	var direction: Vector2 = (aim_target - _aim_origin())
+	direction = direction.normalized() if direction.length() > 0.001 else Vector2.UP
+	var beam_to: Vector2 = shooter.global_position + direction * component.beam_range
+	_strike(shooter.global_position, beam_to, direction, int(component.damage))
+	_finish_aim()
+	button.enabled = _next_ready_laser_ship() != null
+
+
+func _strike(from: Vector2, to: Vector2, direction: Vector2, damage: int) -> void:
+	beams.append({"from": from, "to": to, "time": FLASH_DURATION})
+	last_hit_count = 0
+	var range_along: float = from.distance_to(to)
+	for enemy in get_tree().get_nodes_in_group("enemies"):
+		if not is_instance_valid(enemy) or not (enemy is Node2D):
+			continue
+		var to_enemy: Vector2 = enemy.global_position - from
+		var along: float = to_enemy.dot(direction)
+		if along < 0.0 or along > range_along:
+			continue
+		var perpendicular: float = (to_enemy - direction * along).length()
+		if perpendicular <= BEAM_HALF_WIDTH:
+			enemy.take_damage(damage)
+			last_hit_count += 1
+
+
+func _next_ready_laser_ship() -> Node2D:
+	for ship in fleet.ships:
+		if not is_instance_valid(ship):
+			continue
+		var component: Node = ship.get_component("laser")
+		if component != null and component.is_ready():
+			return ship
+	return null
+
+
+func _draw() -> void:
+	if aiming:
+		NeonDraw.draw_glowing_line(self, _aim_origin(), aim_target, TARGET_COLOR, 0.7, 0.6)
+	for beam in beams:
+		var progress: float = 1.0 - float(beam.time) / FLASH_DURATION
+		var alpha: float = 1.0 - progress
+		NeonDraw.draw_glowing_line(self, beam.from, beam.to, BEAM_COLOR, alpha, 1.2 - progress * 0.6)
diff --git a/LaserCooldownUpgrade.tres b/LaserCooldownUpgrade.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..71ad6aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LaserCooldownUpgrade.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="VesselUpgradeDefinition" load_steps=2 format=3]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://VesselUpgradeDefinition.gd" id="1"]
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1")
+upgrade_id = "lsr_cooldown"
+display_name = "Capacitor Bank"
+description = "Recharges 0.6s sooner per level."
+base_cost = 30
+max_level = 3
+icon = 20
+additive_modifiers = {"beam_cooldown": -0.6}
diff --git a/LaserDamageUpgrade.tres b/LaserDamageUpgrade.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..daa76ab
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LaserDamageUpgrade.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="VesselUpgradeDefinition" load_steps=2 format=3]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://VesselUpgradeDefinition.gd" id="1"]
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1")
+upgrade_id = "lsr_damage"
+display_name = "Focusing Lens"
+description = "+1 damage per shot."
+base_cost = 30
+max_level = 3
+icon = 15
+additive_modifiers = {"damage": 1.0}
diff --git a/LaserRangeUpgrade.tres b/LaserRangeUpgrade.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..447c58e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LaserRangeUpgrade.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="VesselUpgradeDefinition" load_steps=2 format=3]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://VesselUpgradeDefinition.gd" id="1"]
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1")
+upgrade_id = "lsr_range"
+display_name = "Beam Collimator"
+description = "+150 beam range per level."
+base_cost = 25
+max_level = 3
+icon = 17
+additive_modifiers = {"beam_range": 150.0}
diff --git a/LaserVesselDefinition.tres b/LaserVesselDefinition.tres
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..370a0d5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LaserVesselDefinition.tres
@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+[gd_resource type="Resource" script_class="VesselDefinition" load_steps=6 format=3]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://VesselDefinition.gd" id="1"]
+[ext_resource type="PackedScene" path="res://VesselLaserComponent.tscn" id="2"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" path="res://LaserDamageUpgrade.tres" id="3"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" path="res://LaserRangeUpgrade.tres" id="4"]
+[ext_resource type="Resource" path="res://LaserCooldownUpgrade.tres" id="5"]
+[resource]
+script = ExtResource("1")
+definition_id = "laser"
+display_name = "Laser Ship"
+description = "Manually aimed beam vessel. No ammo, but the emitter needs to cool down between shots."
+build_cost = 12
+build_resource_costs = {"ore": 12, "energy": 6}
+build_time = 14.0
+icon = 35
+glow_color = Color(0.3, 0.9, 1, 1)
+hull_points = PackedVector2Array(0, -26, -9, 14, -4, 10, 4, 10, 9, 14)
+fleet_eligible = true
+capabilities = PackedStringArray("laser")
+component_scenes = Array[PackedScene]([ExtResource("2")])
+base_stats = {"max_speed": 440.0, "acceleration": 420.0, "delivery_speed": 180.0, "damage": 2.0, "beam_range": 950.0, "beam_cooldown": 4.0}
+minimum_stats = {"beam_cooldown": 1.5}
+upgrades = Array[Resource]([ExtResource("3"), ExtResource("4"), ExtResource("5")])
+unlock_id = "unlock_laser"
+unlock_name = "Unlock Laser Ship"
+unlock_description = "Research a directed-energy hull for the ship crafter - manually aimed, no ammo, cools down between shots."
+unlock_cost = 0
+unlock_resource_costs = {"energy": 40}
+unlock_icon = -1
diff --git a/Main.tscn b/Main.tscn
index 663e18e..7eaf569 100644
--- a/Main.tscn
+++ b/Main.tscn
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-[gd_scene load_steps=27 format=3]
+[gd_scene load_steps=28 format=3]
 
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://Starfield.gd" id="1"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://Fleet.gd" id="2"]
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://VesselDeliveryField.gd" id="26"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://ResourceTransferList.gd" id="27"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://GasBombController.gd" id="29"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://LaserController.gd" id="30"]
 
 [sub_resource type="ShaderMaterial" id="1"]
 shader = ExtResource("5")
@@ -56,6 +57,9 @@ script = ExtResource("2")
 [node name="GasBombController" type="Node2D" parent="."]
 script = ExtResource("29")
 
+[node name="LaserController" type="Node2D" parent="."]
+script = ExtResource("30")
+
 [node name="Camera2D" type="Camera2D" parent="."]
 position = Vector2(0, 0)
 zoom = Vector2(1, 1)
@@ -217,6 +221,21 @@ offset_top = -424
 offset_bottom = -24
 script = ExtResource("13")
 
+[node name="LaserButton" type="Control" parent="UI"]
+visible = false
+mouse_filter = 2
+anchor_left = 1.0
+anchor_right = 1.0
+anchor_top = 1.0
+anchor_bottom = 1.0
+offset_left = -344
+offset_right = -196
+offset_top = -344
+offset_bottom = -196
+script = ExtResource("10")
+icon = 36
+glow_color = Color(0.3, 0.9, 1, 1)
+
 [node name="PivotCCWButton" type="Control" parent="UI"]
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 1.0
@@ -820,7 +839,7 @@ horizontal_alignment = 1
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 offset_left = -290
-offset_right = -178
+offset_right = -198
 offset_top = 255
 offset_bottom = 375
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -831,7 +850,7 @@ mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 offset_left = -330
-offset_right = -138
+offset_right = -158
 offset_top = 380
 offset_bottom = 460
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
@@ -840,8 +859,8 @@ horizontal_alignment = 1
 [node name="AvailableShield" type="Control" parent="UI/HangarMenu"]
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -134
-offset_right = -22
+offset_left = -168
+offset_right = -76
 offset_top = 255
 offset_bottom = 375
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -852,8 +871,8 @@ glow_color = Color(0.45, 0.8, 1, 1)
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -174
-offset_right = 18
+offset_left = -208
+offset_right = -36
 offset_top = 380
 offset_bottom = 460
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
@@ -862,8 +881,8 @@ horizontal_alignment = 1
 [node name="AvailableGasBomber" type="Control" parent="UI/HangarMenu"]
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = 22
-offset_right = 134
+offset_left = -46
+offset_right = 46
 offset_top = 255
 offset_bottom = 375
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -874,8 +893,8 @@ glow_color = Color(0.96, 0.32, 0.78, 1)
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -18
-offset_right = 174
+offset_left = -86
+offset_right = 86
 offset_top = 380
 offset_bottom = 460
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
@@ -884,8 +903,8 @@ horizontal_alignment = 1
 [node name="AvailableCarrier" type="Control" parent="UI/HangarMenu"]
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = 178
-offset_right = 290
+offset_left = 76
+offset_right = 168
 offset_top = 255
 offset_bottom = 375
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -896,7 +915,29 @@ glow_color = Color(1, 0.78, 0.3, 1)
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = 138
+offset_left = 36
+offset_right = 208
+offset_top = 380
+offset_bottom = 460
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="AvailableLaser" type="Control" parent="UI/HangarMenu"]
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+offset_left = 198
+offset_right = 290
+offset_top = 255
+offset_bottom = 375
+script = ExtResource("10")
+icon = 35
+glow_color = Color(0.3, 0.9, 1, 1)
+
+[node name="AvailableLaserLabel" type="Label" parent="UI/HangarMenu"]
+mouse_filter = 2
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+offset_left = 158
 offset_right = 330
 offset_top = 380
 offset_bottom = 460
@@ -916,7 +957,7 @@ horizontal_alignment = 1
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 offset_left = -290
-offset_right = -178
+offset_right = -198
 offset_top = 565
 offset_bottom = 685
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -927,7 +968,7 @@ mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 offset_left = -330
-offset_right = -138
+offset_right = -158
 offset_top = 690
 offset_bottom = 770
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
@@ -936,8 +977,8 @@ horizontal_alignment = 1
 [node name="FleetShield" type="Control" parent="UI/HangarMenu"]
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -134
-offset_right = -22
+offset_left = -168
+offset_right = -76
 offset_top = 565
 offset_bottom = 685
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -948,8 +989,8 @@ glow_color = Color(0.45, 0.8, 1, 1)
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -174
-offset_right = 18
+offset_left = -208
+offset_right = -36
 offset_top = 690
 offset_bottom = 770
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
@@ -958,8 +999,8 @@ horizontal_alignment = 1
 [node name="FleetGasBomber" type="Control" parent="UI/HangarMenu"]
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = 22
-offset_right = 134
+offset_left = -46
+offset_right = 46
 offset_top = 565
 offset_bottom = 685
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -970,8 +1011,8 @@ glow_color = Color(0.96, 0.32, 0.78, 1)
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -18
-offset_right = 174
+offset_left = -86
+offset_right = 86
 offset_top = 690
 offset_bottom = 770
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
@@ -980,8 +1021,8 @@ horizontal_alignment = 1
 [node name="FleetCarrier" type="Control" parent="UI/HangarMenu"]
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = 178
-offset_right = 290
+offset_left = 76
+offset_right = 168
 offset_top = 565
 offset_bottom = 685
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -992,7 +1033,29 @@ glow_color = Color(1, 0.78, 0.3, 1)
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = 138
+offset_left = 36
+offset_right = 208
+offset_top = 690
+offset_bottom = 770
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+
+[node name="FleetLaser" type="Control" parent="UI/HangarMenu"]
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+offset_left = 198
+offset_right = 290
+offset_top = 565
+offset_bottom = 685
+script = ExtResource("10")
+icon = 35
+glow_color = Color(0.3, 0.9, 1, 1)
+
+[node name="FleetLaserLabel" type="Label" parent="UI/HangarMenu"]
+mouse_filter = 2
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+offset_left = 158
 offset_right = 330
 offset_top = 690
 offset_bottom = 770
@@ -1044,7 +1107,7 @@ script = ExtResource("24")
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 offset_left = -300
-offset_right = -212
+offset_right = -230
 offset_top = 274
 offset_bottom = 394
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -1054,8 +1117,8 @@ glow_color = Color(0.25, 0.85, 1, 1)
 [node name="VesselB" type="Control" parent="UI/LabMenu"]
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -172
-offset_right = -84
+offset_left = -194
+offset_right = -124
 offset_top = 274
 offset_bottom = 394
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -1065,8 +1128,8 @@ glow_color = Color(0.45, 0.8, 1, 1)
 [node name="VesselC" type="Control" parent="UI/LabMenu"]
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -44
-offset_right = 44
+offset_left = -88
+offset_right = -18
 offset_top = 274
 offset_bottom = 394
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -1076,8 +1139,8 @@ glow_color = Color(0.96, 0.32, 0.78, 1)
 [node name="VesselD" type="Control" parent="UI/LabMenu"]
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = 84
-offset_right = 172
+offset_left = 18
+offset_right = 88
 offset_top = 274
 offset_bottom = 394
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -1087,14 +1150,25 @@ glow_color = Color(0.95, 0.55, 0.85, 1)
 [node name="VesselE" type="Control" parent="UI/LabMenu"]
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = 212
-offset_right = 300
+offset_left = 124
+offset_right = 194
 offset_top = 274
 offset_bottom = 394
 script = ExtResource("10")
 icon = 34
 glow_color = Color(1, 0.78, 0.3, 1)
 
+[node name="VesselF" type="Control" parent="UI/LabMenu"]
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+offset_left = 230
+offset_right = 300
+offset_top = 274
+offset_bottom = 394
+script = ExtResource("10")
+icon = 35
+glow_color = Color(0.3, 0.9, 1, 1)
+
 [node name="VesselLabel" type="Label" parent="UI/LabMenu"]
 visible = false
 mouse_filter = 2
@@ -1112,7 +1186,7 @@ mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 offset_left = -330
-offset_right = -182
+offset_right = -200
 offset_top = 400
 offset_bottom = 460
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
@@ -1123,8 +1197,8 @@ text = "Interceptor"
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -202
-offset_right = -54
+offset_left = -224
+offset_right = -94
 offset_top = 400
 offset_bottom = 460
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
@@ -1135,8 +1209,8 @@ text = "Shield"
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = -74
-offset_right = 74
+offset_left = -118
+offset_right = 12
 offset_top = 400
 offset_bottom = 460
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
@@ -1147,8 +1221,8 @@ text = "Gas Bomber"
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = 54
-offset_right = 202
+offset_left = 12
+offset_right = 118
 offset_top = 400
 offset_bottom = 460
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
@@ -1159,14 +1233,26 @@ text = "Transporter"
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
-offset_left = 182
-offset_right = 330
+offset_left = 94
+offset_right = 224
 offset_top = 400
 offset_bottom = 460
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
 horizontal_alignment = 1
 text = "Carrier"
 
+[node name="VesselFLabel" type="Label" parent="UI/LabMenu"]
+mouse_filter = 2
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+offset_left = 200
+offset_right = 330
+offset_top = 400
+offset_bottom = 460
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 22
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+text = "Laser Ship"
+
 [node name="VesselUpgradeSeparator" type="ColorRect" parent="UI/LabMenu"]
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_right = 1.0
@@ -1412,7 +1498,7 @@ anchor_right = 0.5
 anchor_top = 0.5
 anchor_bottom = 0.5
 offset_left = -310
-offset_right = -208
+offset_right = -232
 offset_top = -100
 offset_bottom = 48
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -1425,7 +1511,7 @@ anchor_right = 0.5
 anchor_top = 0.5
 anchor_bottom = 0.5
 offset_left = -330
-offset_right = -188
+offset_right = -212
 offset_top = 56
 offset_bottom = 136
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 24
@@ -1437,8 +1523,8 @@ anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 anchor_top = 0.5
 anchor_bottom = 0.5
-offset_left = -174
-offset_right = -72
+offset_left = -202
+offset_right = -124
 offset_top = -100
 offset_bottom = 48
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -1451,8 +1537,8 @@ anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 anchor_top = 0.5
 anchor_bottom = 0.5
-offset_left = -194
-offset_right = -52
+offset_left = -222
+offset_right = -104
 offset_top = 56
 offset_bottom = 136
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 24
@@ -1465,8 +1551,8 @@ anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 anchor_top = 0.5
 anchor_bottom = 0.5
-offset_left = -38
-offset_right = 64
+offset_left = -94
+offset_right = -16
 offset_top = -100
 offset_bottom = 28
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -1479,8 +1565,8 @@ anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 anchor_top = 0.5
 anchor_bottom = 0.5
-offset_left = -58
-offset_right = 84
+offset_left = -114
+offset_right = 4
 offset_top = 56
 offset_bottom = 150
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 24
@@ -1493,8 +1579,8 @@ anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 anchor_top = 0.5
 anchor_bottom = 0.5
-offset_left = 98
-offset_right = 200
+offset_left = 14
+offset_right = 92
 offset_top = -100
 offset_bottom = 48
 script = ExtResource("10")
@@ -1507,8 +1593,8 @@ anchor_left = 0.5
 anchor_right = 0.5
 anchor_top = 0.5
 anchor_bottom = 0.5
-offset_left = 78
-offset_right = 220
+offset_left = -6
+offset_right = 112
 offset_top = 56
 offset_bottom = 136
 theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 24
@@ -1516,6 +1602,34 @@ autowrap_mode = 2
 text = "Carrier"
 horizontal_alignment = 1
 
+[node name="LaserButton" type="Control" parent="UI/CraftMenu"]
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+anchor_top = 0.5
+anchor_bottom = 0.5
+offset_left = 122
+offset_right = 200
+offset_top = -100
+offset_bottom = 48
+script = ExtResource("10")
+icon = 35
+glow_color = Color(0.3, 0.9, 1, 1)
+
+[node name="LaserLabel" type="Label" parent="UI/CraftMenu"]
+mouse_filter = 2
+anchor_left = 0.5
+anchor_right = 0.5
+anchor_top = 0.5
+anchor_bottom = 0.5
+offset_left = 102
+offset_right = 220
+offset_top = 56
+offset_bottom = 136
+theme_override_font_sizes/font_size = 24
+autowrap_mode = 2
+text = "Laser Ship"
+horizontal_alignment = 1
+
 [node name="QueueLabel" type="Label" parent="UI/CraftMenu"]
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 1.0
diff --git a/PlanetSurface.tscn b/PlanetSurface.tscn
index 3b8bd19..afdeb49 100644
--- a/PlanetSurface.tscn
+++ b/PlanetSurface.tscn
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-[gd_scene load_steps=14 format=3]
+[gd_scene load_steps=15 format=3]
 
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://GameController.gd" id="1"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://LunarBackground.gd" id="2"]
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://TouchJoystick.gd" id="7"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://ResourceReadout.gd" id="9"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://GasBombController.gd" id="14"]
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://LaserController.gd" id="16"]
 [ext_resource type="Script" path="res://CaptureLabel.gd" id="15"]
 
 [sub_resource type="ShaderMaterial" id="1"]
@@ -45,6 +46,9 @@ ship_core_color = Color(0.02, 0.09, 0.15, 1)
 [node name="GasBombController" type="Node2D" parent="."]
 script = ExtResource("14")
 
+[node name="LaserController" type="Node2D" parent="."]
+script = ExtResource("16")
+
 [node name="Camera2D" type="Camera2D" parent="."]
 position = Vector2(0, 0)
 zoom = Vector2(1, 1)
@@ -153,6 +157,22 @@ script = ExtResource("7")
 glow_color = Color(0.06, 0.32, 0.5, 1)
 core_color = Color(0.02, 0.09, 0.15, 1)
 
+[node name="LaserButton" type="Control" parent="UI"]
+visible = false
+mouse_filter = 2
+anchor_left = 1.0
+anchor_right = 1.0
+anchor_top = 1.0
+anchor_bottom = 1.0
+offset_left = -344
+offset_right = -196
+offset_top = -344
+offset_bottom = -196
+script = ExtResource("6")
+icon = 36
+glow_color = Color(0.3, 0.9, 1, 1)
+core_color = Color(0.02, 0.09, 0.15, 1)
+
 [node name="PivotCCWButton" type="Control" parent="UI"]
 mouse_filter = 2
 anchor_left = 1.0
diff --git a/VesselDefinitions.gd b/VesselDefinitions.gd
index 92675a8..a037eb7 100644
--- a/VesselDefinitions.gd
+++ b/VesselDefinitions.gd
@@ -1,13 +1,14 @@
 class_name VesselDefinitions
 extends RefCounted
 
-const ORDER: PackedStringArray = ["interceptor", "shield", "gas_bomber", "transporter", "carrier"]
+const ORDER: PackedStringArray = ["interceptor", "shield", "gas_bomber", "transporter", "carrier", "laser"]
 const DEFINITIONS: Dictionary = {
 	"interceptor": preload("res://InterceptorVesselDefinition.tres"),
 	"shield": preload("res://ShieldVesselDefinition.tres"),
 	"gas_bomber": preload("res://GasBomberVesselDefinition.tres"),
 	"transporter": preload("res://TransporterVesselDefinition.tres"),
 	"carrier": preload("res://CarrierVesselDefinition.tres"),
+	"laser": preload("res://LaserVesselDefinition.tres"),
 }
 
 static func get_definition(definition_id: String) -> Resource:
diff --git a/VesselLaserComponent.gd b/VesselLaserComponent.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fb9379e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/VesselLaserComponent.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+class_name VesselLaserComponent
+extends Node2D
+
+# Same shape as VesselGasBomberComponent (per-ship cooldown, ready/cooling
+# hull fill) - #58's own note: two laser vessels must give two shots, so
+# this lives on the SHIP, not the fleet-wide LaserController.
+#
+# Unlike the gas bomber, damage/beam_range/cooldown are resolved from the
+# vessel's own base_stats/upgrades (apply_stats(), the same pattern
+# VesselWeaponComponent uses) rather than hardcoded in the controller, so
+# ship-lab upgrades actually reach them.
+
+var capability_id := "laser"
+var damage: int = 2
+var beam_range: float = 950.0
+var cooldown_duration: float = 4.0
+var cooldown_left: float = 0.0
+
+const READY_COLOR := Color(0.3, 0.9, 1.0)
+const COOLING_COLOR := Color(0.08, 0.28, 0.34)
+
+
+func setup() -> void:
+	# Keep the ship's normal neon outline above the charge fill.
+	show_behind_parent = true
+	queue_redraw()
+
+
+func apply_stats() -> void:
+	var ship: Node = get_parent()
+	var state: Node = ship.get_tree().root.get_node("GameState")
+	damage = int(state.vessel_stat(ship.vessel_type, "damage"))
+	beam_range = state.vessel_stat(ship.vessel_type, "beam_range")
+	cooldown_duration = state.vessel_stat(ship.vessel_type, "beam_cooldown")
+	queue_redraw()
+
+
+func is_ready() -> bool:
+	return cooldown_left <= 0.0
+
+
+func consume_shot() -> bool:
+	if not is_ready():
+		return false
+	cooldown_left = maxf(cooldown_duration, 0.001)
+	queue_redraw()
+	return true
+
+
+func tick(delta: float) -> void:
+	if cooldown_left <= 0.0:
+		return
+	cooldown_left = maxf(cooldown_left - delta, 0.0)
+	queue_redraw()
+
+
+func cooldown_progress() -> float:
+	return 1.0 - cooldown_left / maxf(cooldown_duration, 0.001)
+
+
+func _filled_hull(points: PackedVector2Array, progress: float) -> PackedVector2Array:
+	if points.size() < 3 or progress <= 0.001:
+		return PackedVector2Array()
+	if progress >= 0.999:
+		return points.duplicate()
+	var top := INF
+	var bottom := -INF
+	for point in points:
+		top = minf(top, point.y)
+		bottom = maxf(bottom, point.y)
+	var fill_y: float = lerpf(bottom, top, clampf(progress, 0.0, 1.0))
+	var clipped := PackedVector2Array()
+	var previous: Vector2 = points[-1]
+	var previous_inside := previous.y >= fill_y
+	for current in points:
+		var current_inside := current.y >= fill_y
+		if current_inside != previous_inside:
+			var amount: float = (fill_y - previous.y) / (current.y - previous.y)
+			clipped.append(previous.lerp(current, amount))
+		if current_inside:
+			clipped.append(current)
+		previous = current
+		previous_inside = current_inside
+	return clipped
+
+
+func _draw() -> void:
+	var parent_ship: Node = get_parent()
+	if parent_ship == null or parent_ship.definition == null:
+		return
+	var core: Color = parent_ship.core_color if parent_ship != null else Color.WHITE
+	var hull: PackedVector2Array = parent_ship.definition.hull_points
+	if is_ready():
+		draw_colored_polygon(hull, Color(READY_COLOR, 0.42))
+		NeonDraw.draw_glowing_polygon(self, hull, READY_COLOR, 0.75, core, 0.75)
+		return
+	draw_colored_polygon(hull, Color(COOLING_COLOR, 0.58))
+	var filled := _filled_hull(hull, cooldown_progress())
+	if filled.size() >= 3:
+		draw_colored_polygon(filled, Color(READY_COLOR, 0.68))
diff --git a/VesselLaserComponent.tscn b/VesselLaserComponent.tscn
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a7d44db
--- /dev/null
+++ b/VesselLaserComponent.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+[gd_scene load_steps=2 format=3]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://VesselLaserComponent.gd" id="1"]
+
+[node name="LaserComponent" type="Node2D"]
+script = ExtResource("1")
diff --git a/tests/_laser_aim_preview.gd b/tests/_laser_aim_preview.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1fba9a5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/_laser_aim_preview.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+extends Node2D
+
+# Preview, not a test - #58's aim-state screenshot: two laser ships (one
+# ready, one rearming), aiming with the beam preview drawn and enemies
+# placed along its line.
+#
+#   bash tests/screenshot.sh res://tests/_laser_aim_preview.tscn /tmp/laser.png 20 720x1280
+
+
+func _ready() -> void:
+	GameState.buildings.clear()
+	GameState.extractors.clear()
+	GameState.transporters.clear()
+	GameState.vessel_levels["unlock_laser"] = 1
+	var main: Node = load("res://Main.tscn").instantiate()
+	add_child(main)
+	main.get_node("BackgroundLayer").visible = false
+	main.get_node("AsteroidField").visible = false
+	main.get_node("PlanetField").visible = false
+	main.get_node("BuildingField").visible = false
+	main.get_node("EnemySpawner").set_process(false)
+	main.get_node("AsteroidField").set_process(false)
+	var fleet: Node = main.get_node("Fleet")
+	fleet.spawn_ships(4, Vector2.ZERO, PackedStringArray([
+		GameState.VESSEL_INTERCEPTOR, GameState.VESSEL_SHIELD,
+		GameState.VESSEL_LASER, GameState.VESSEL_LASER]))
+	var skill: Node = main.get_node("LaserController")
+	skill._process(0.0)
+	# Show both per-ship states in one frame: one laser ship rearming, the
+	# other ready and supplying the shot.
+	var rearming: Node = fleet.ships[2].get_component("laser")
+	rearming.consume_shot()
+	rearming.tick(rearming.cooldown_duration * 0.5)
+	main.get_node("Camera2D").zoom = Vector2(1.8, 1.8)
+	var button: Control = main.get_node("UI/LaserButton")
+	var press := InputEventScreenTouch.new()
+	press.index = 9
+	press.position = button.global_position + button.size * 0.5
+	press.pressed = true
+	skill.handle_touch(press)
+	var drag := InputEventScreenDrag.new()
+	drag.index = 9
+	drag.position = press.position + Vector2(-245.0, -235.0)
+	skill.handle_drag(drag)
+	for t in [0.35, 0.6]:
+		var enemy: Node = load("res://Enemy.tscn").instantiate()
+		enemy.position = fleet.get_centroid().lerp(skill.aim_target, t)
+		main.add_child(enemy)
+		enemy.speed = 0.0   # after add_child - _ready() sets it from the definition
diff --git a/tests/_laser_aim_preview.tscn b/tests/_laser_aim_preview.tscn
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..671b33c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/_laser_aim_preview.tscn
@@ -0,0 +1,6 @@
+[gd_scene load_steps=2 format=3]
+
+[ext_resource type="Script" path="res://tests/_laser_aim_preview.gd" id="1"]
+
+[node name="LaserAimPreview" type="Node2D"]
+script = ExtResource("1")
diff --git a/tests/test_laser_vessel.gd b/tests/test_laser_vessel.gd
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4c3001e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/test_laser_vessel.gd
@@ -0,0 +1,193 @@
+extends SceneTree
+
+# Headless gameplay test: run with
+#   godot --headless -s res://tests/test_laser_vessel.gd
+# Forgejo #58: a manually aimed instant beam, modelled closely on the gas
+# bomber's press-drag-release skill shot (GasBombController/
+# VesselGasBomberComponent) but firing the instant the touch releases -
+# there is no projectile travel time to wait out.
+#
+# Covers:
+#   A. the control is absent with no laser ship in the fleet, and appears
+#      the moment one joins
+#   B. the beam damages every enemy along its line, within beam_half_width,
+#      and nothing off it or beyond its range
+#   C. cooldown is per SHIP, not per fleet: two laser ships fire two shots
+#      before the control disables (the exact bug fixed in eb79efd for
+#      bombers)
+#   D. the camera zooms out while aiming and restores afterward
+
+var game_state: Node
+var main: Node
+var fleet: Node
+var skill: LaserController
+var on_line_enemies: Array = []
+var off_line_enemy: Node
+var beyond_range_enemy: Node
+var first_shooter: Node2D
+var second_shooter: Node2D
+var stage: int = 0
+var elapsed: float = 0.0
+var original_zoom: float = 2.5
+
+
+func _initialize() -> void:
+	game_state = root.get_node("GameState")
+	game_state.buildings.clear()
+	game_state.extractors.clear()
+	game_state.transporters.clear()
+	game_state.stored_vessels.clear()
+	game_state.reset_progression()
+	# Direct unlock, same shortcut unlock_vessel() itself uses internally -
+	# this ticket is about the laser's own behaviour, not re-proving the
+	# ship-lab research flow (already covered generically elsewhere).
+	game_state.vessel_levels["unlock_laser"] = 1
+	main = load("res://Main.tscn").instantiate()
+	root.add_child(main)
+	fleet = main.get_node("Fleet")
+	skill = main.get_node("LaserController")
+
+
+func _process(delta: float) -> bool:
+	elapsed += delta
+	match stage:
+		0:
+			if elapsed < 0.2:
+				return false
+			main.get_node("EnemySpawner").set_process(false)
+			main.get_node("AsteroidField").set_process(false)
+
+			# --- A. absent, then appears -------------------------------------
+			if main.get_node("UI/LaserButton").visible:
+				return _fail_now("laser control appeared without a laser ship")
+
+			fleet.spawn_ships(2, Vector2.ZERO, PackedStringArray([
+				GameState.VESSEL_LASER, GameState.VESSEL_LASER]))
+			main.get_node("Camera2D").zoom = Vector2(original_zoom, original_zoom)
+			skill._process(0.0)
+			if not main.get_node("UI/LaserButton").visible:
+				return _fail_now("a laser ship in the fleet did not reveal the laser control")
+			print("control hidden with no laser ship, visible once one joins")
+
+			# The beam fires FROM the specific ship LaserController picks, not
+			# the fleet centroid (same discrepancy GasBombController already
+			# has) - enemies are placed relative to that ship's own position,
+			# not the centroid, so a non-zero formation offset can't put them
+			# off the real beam line.
+			first_shooter = skill._next_ready_laser_ship()
+			if first_shooter == null:
+				return _fail_now("no laser ship is ready right after spawning")
+
+			var press := InputEventScreenTouch.new()
+			press.index = 7
+			var laser_button: Control = main.get_node("UI/LaserButton")
+			press.position = laser_button.global_position + laser_button.size * 0.5
+			press.pressed = true
+			main._handle_touch(press)
+			if not skill.aiming:
+				return _fail_now("laser control did not begin aiming")
+
+			# --- D. zoom-out while aiming --------------------------------
+			var drag := InputEventScreenDrag.new()
+			drag.index = 7
+			drag.position = press.position + Vector2(300.0, 0.0)
+			main._handle_drag(drag)
+			if main.get_node("Camera2D").zoom.x >= original_zoom:
+				return _fail_now("aiming did not zoom out")
+			print("aiming zoomed the camera out")
+
+			# --- B. targets: two on the line, one off it, one past range ---
+			for offset in [Vector2(200.0, 0.0), Vector2(500.0, 0.0)]:
+				var enemy: Node = load("res://Enemy.tscn").instantiate()
+				enemy.position = first_shooter.global_position + offset
+				main.add_child(enemy)
+				enemy.speed = 0.0
+				on_line_enemies.append(enemy)
+
+			off_line_enemy = load("res://Enemy.tscn").instantiate()
+			off_line_enemy.position = first_shooter.global_position \
+				+ Vector2(200.0, LaserController.BEAM_HALF_WIDTH + 60.0)
+			main.add_child(off_line_enemy)
+			off_line_enemy.speed = 0.0
+
+			beyond_range_enemy = load("res://Enemy.tscn").instantiate()
+			beyond_range_enemy.position = first_shooter.global_position + Vector2(2000.0, 0.0)
+			main.add_child(beyond_range_enemy)
+			beyond_range_enemy.speed = 0.0
+
+			var release := InputEventScreenTouch.new()
+			release.index = 7
+			release.position = drag.position
+			release.pressed = false
+			main._handle_touch(release)
+
+			# Instant beam: the hit already landed by the time _handle_touch
+			# returns, no travel time to wait out like the bomb's projectile.
+			if skill.last_hit_count != 2:
+				return _fail_now("beam hit %d enemies, expected 2" % skill.last_hit_count)
+			for enemy in on_line_enemies:
+				if not is_instance_valid(enemy) or enemy.hp >= enemy.max_hp:
+					return _fail_now("an enemy on the beam line was not damaged")
+			if not is_instance_valid(off_line_enemy) or off_line_enemy.hp != off_line_enemy.max_hp:
+				return _fail_now("the beam damaged an enemy off its line")
+			if not is_instance_valid(beyond_range_enemy) or beyond_range_enemy.hp != beyond_range_enemy.max_hp:
+				return _fail_now("the beam damaged an enemy beyond its range")
+			print("beam damaged exactly the 2 enemies on its line within range")
+
+			# --- C. cooldown is per ship, not per fleet ---------------------
+			if not main.get_node("UI/LaserButton").enabled:
+				return _fail_now("firing one laser ship disabled the control with a second ship still ready")
+			print("one ship fired; control stays enabled with the second ready")
+
+			stage = 1
+			elapsed = 0.0
+			return false
+		1:
+			if elapsed < 0.3:
+				return false
+			second_shooter = skill._next_ready_laser_ship()
+			if second_shooter == null or second_shooter == first_shooter:
+				return _fail_now("the second shot was not offered to the other ship")
+
+			var press2 := InputEventScreenTouch.new()
+			press2.index = 8
+			var laser_button: Control = main.get_node("UI/LaserButton")
+			press2.position = laser_button.global_position + laser_button.size * 0.5
+			press2.pressed = true
+			main._handle_touch(press2)
+			if not skill.aiming:
+				return _fail_now("laser control did not re-open aiming for the second shot")
+			var drag2 := InputEventScreenDrag.new()
+			drag2.index = 8
+			drag2.position = press2.position + Vector2(0.0, 300.0)
+			main._handle_drag(drag2)
+			var release2 := InputEventScreenTouch.new()
+			release2.index = 8
+			release2.position = drag2.position
+			release2.pressed = false
+			main._handle_touch(release2)
+
+			if main.get_node("UI/LaserButton").enabled:
+				return _fail_now("both laser ships fired but the control is still enabled")
+			print("second shot fired from the other ship - two ships, two shots, now disabled")
+
+			stage = 2
+			elapsed = 0.0
+			return false
+		2:
+			# --- D continued: zoom restores after aiming ends ---------------
+			if elapsed < 1.0:
+				return false
+			if absf(main.get_node("Camera2D").zoom.x - original_zoom) > 0.03:
+				return _fail_now("camera did not restore its pre-aim zoom")
+			print("camera zoom restored")
+			print("TEST_LASER_VESSEL: PASS")
+			quit(0)
+			return true
+	return false
+
+
+func _fail_now(message: String) -> bool:
+	print("TEST_LASER_VESSEL: FAIL (%s)" % message)
+	quit(1)
+	return true
diff --git a/tests/test_vessel_composition.gd b/tests/test_vessel_composition.gd
index aaa425f..67bf6c3 100644
--- a/tests/test_vessel_composition.gd
+++ b/tests/test_vessel_composition.gd
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ func _process(delta: float) -> bool:
 		return false
 	var definitions: Array = VESSEL_DEFINITIONS.all()
 	var fleet_definitions: Array = VESSEL_DEFINITIONS.fleet()
-	if fleet_definitions.size() != 4 \
+	if fleet_definitions.size() != 5 \
 			or fleet_definitions.any(func(definition): return definition.has_capability("transport")):
 		return _fail("logistics transporters leaked into the combat-fleet catalog")
 	if ships.size() != definitions.size():