[compuguru]

Was your reply tongue-in-cheek or are there reflective materials that COULD be used? Is the UV aspect applicable to all three lasers (tracking, atmospheric and "the big one")?

It seems from the article that all three have to work, precisely in sequence, in order to manage a disabling shot. While I'm sure other folks smarter than myself thought about the mirror coating already, there are so many low-tech counters to this weapon that come to my humble mind that I wonder at the wisdom of the vision. Such as: pre-launch chaff missiles, fired just before launch of the payload missile, allowing it to fly through a column of tracking-laser-reflecting chaff. One Soviet tactic was to launch three missiles at once. Will the ABL be able to handle such multiple targets? And, despite stealth technology that the ABL platform may have, its location will be revealed during firing. Will the ABL platform still be able to perform its mission while evading counter-fire from the enemy?

(Placing tin-foil hat firmly on head) Is this ABL story a cover for another purpose for this technology? (Slowly raises eyes to the moon) A purpose where common counter-measures would be ineffectual?

[American in Israel]

This system is the THEL laser, joint developed with Israel, placed on an aircraft with targeting lasers added. Very neat.

Yes it is able to handle multiple targets and some of the real interesting applications is hinted at in the articles. If you can target space trash, you can target satellites. This could be one heck of a re loadable anti satellite weapon platform.

As to self defense against incoming. If it can target an ICBM there is nothing smaller or faster out there. Pity the MIG that tries to attack this thing.

[Myrddin]

A laser weapon of this type is typically pulsed. If you operate it in continuous mode, the vaporizing metal creates a mirror. By pulsing the laser, the metal is blasted away in a sequence of little vapor clouds until it is gone.

A fellow colleague at my company was the first to create a functioning weapons grade laser. Your "mirror" objection was the first offered and the first slapped down in the presentation.

[BeHoldAPaleHorse]

As for self-defense: you really think the USAF's going to leave this thing wandering around hostile airspace with no escorts?