Pentagon 'Stays the Course' with Airborne Laser Weapon
The Boeing-led Airborne Laser team exposes the Airborne Laser's conformal
window during a test flight. Such an exposure is necessary for the weapon system
to complete its mission of shooting down a ballistic missile during the boost phase of flight.
Image source: MSNBC / Jim Shryne / USAF
window during a test flight. Such an exposure is necessary for the weapon system
to complete its mission of shooting down a ballistic missile during the boost phase of flight.
Image source: MSNBC / Jim Shryne / USAF
Jeremey Singer writes on Space.com:
The threat of cancellation no longer looms over the Pentagon's Airborne Laser (ABL) effort, but senior program officials say they are taking nothing for granted as they prepare for a missile-intercept demonstration in 2008.More here.
Several clear test milestones have been laid out for the ABL in 2006 so that senior Missile Defense Agency (MDA) officials will be able to measure its progress, according to Air Force Col. John Daniels, the ABL's program director.
The ABL is a Boeing 747 aircraft being equipped with a high-powered chemical laser to destroy ballistic missiles in their boost phase. Boeing Co. of Chicago is the prime contactor on the effort.
posted by Fergie @ 3/22/2006 05:53:00 PM
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