Posted on 08/21/2009 7:37:49 PM PDT by BenLurkin
A test-firing of a high-energy laser beam aboard a modified Boeing 747 has been called a success, the Missile Defense Agency said.
A team from Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin conducted the Airborne Laser (ABL) test Tuesday over the California High Desert. The laser was fired into an onboard calorimeter, which captured the beam and measured its power.
The test is preparation for an upcoming demonstration in which the laser will be fired through a nose-mounted turret on the aircraft toward the target.
In a test Aug. 10, a low-power laser beam hit an instrument-equipped missile.
"This test shows that ABL is on track to shoot down a boosting ballistic missile later this year," said Michael Rinn, Boeing vice president and ABL program director. "After years of development, the team is excited to be so close to delivering this transformational and unique directed-energy weapon system.
(Excerpt) Read more at al.com ...
“in which the laser will be fired through a nose-mounted turret on the aircraft toward the target.”
Is it too late to suggest targets...
But can you mount them on sharks?
Shhh! Not so loud. Obama will scrap it.
Chemical lasers are NOT where the research needs to be. The Israelis have been working on a solid state laser that surpassed 10,000 watts a couple of years ago.
Been hearing the same old BS for years, the one shot wonder weapon. Put the money in honest research.
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