[Paul Ross]

This appears to have been missed. It is just as important today, however, with Iran's and China's continued nuclear developments.

A healthy reminder of the bullet we missed on November 2nd.

[Paul Ross]

Pinging.

Amazing how GWB never really capitalized in the debates, or the campaign on the virtue in deploying NMD. Explaining how we already have vastly more leverage in dealing with both North Korea and China with the minimal system in place.

[odoso]

Nice concept... However, if it would come to that, better to have good offense (deterrent) than a "rudimentary" defense. No, this isn't about sports.

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

That's interesting to see this was posted today, because I was just asking my dad questions about layered missle defense systems after he forwarded me this release on his latest project.

Massive "Raygun" Fires Up In Megawatt Last Test

The ABL is the first airborne megawatt-class laser weapon system. The ABL is a specially configured 747-400F aircraft, designed to autonomously detect, track and destroy hostile ballistic missiles during the boost phase.
Redondo Beach CA (SPX) Nov 15, 2004-

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency has successfully test-fired the megawatt-class laser built by Northrop Grumman for the Airborne Laser (ABL) system, marking the first time such a powerful directed energy weapon suitable for use in an airborne environment has been demonstrated.

The ground-based test, referred to as "First Light," took place Nov. 10 on ABL's laser testbed at the Systems Integration Laboratory.

The ABL is the first airborne megawatt-class laser weapon system. The ABL is a specially configured 747-400F aircraft, designed to autonomously detect, track and destroy hostile ballistic missiles during the boost phase.

The high-power laser is coupled with a revolutionary optical system capable of focusing a basketball-sized spot of heat that can destroy a boosting missile from hundreds of miles away.

The laser and optical systems are controlled by a sophisticated computer system that can simultaneously track and prioritize potential targets.

The ABL program is managed by the Missile Defense Agency and is executed by the U.S. Air Force from Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, N.M.


Related Boeing News Release HERE