[Vn_survivor_67-68]

we'd be nuts to not develop this further and in whichever and all directions are possible

[Robert A Cook PE]

THEL is the Ground-based precursor of this system: It's more practical, more effective, more power/bigger beam (but has to intercept the inbound rockets as they fall towards a high-value target!) ...

Ground-based also has more fuel, bigger tanks than are simpler to reload for a second, third, or fourth missile, easier to support and build.

Limit here is that you have to already be airborne to hit the missile as it's climbing up: if you're that close then the enemy wouldn't shoot. He'd wait until your patrol area was extended or you went further away, then pull the truck-mounted missiles out of hiding and shoot.

If you can spot the trucks or missile launchers, take them out with regular (cheaper) air-to-ground missiles. We couldn't find launchers before, and can't find them now in Iraq when they're buried or in garages and buildings.