[Arkie2]

The Air Force has a 747 flying now with a chemical laser onboard they claim can take down a scud missile in the boost phase. They also claim it can defend itself against fighters and even enemy air to air missiles. Wouldn't surprise me if this thing didn't get a test run in the upcoming GW II.

[demlosers]

Yup!

excerpt:

US Begins Testing Airborne Laser To Shoot Down Missiles

flash gordon would be proud
Washington (AFP) Jul 19, 2002
A jumbo jet retrofitted to carry a laser gun capable of shooting down enemy missiles has been flight-tested for the first time as part of US efforts to build a controversial missile defense system, according to defense and industry officials.

The modified Boeing 747-400 took off from an airport in Wichita, Kansas, Thursday for a two-hour flight to check the aircraft's aerodynamic performance and system operation, the officials said.

The test marked the beginning of a months-long flight-worthiness test program for the first airborne laser aircraft, which sports a nose turret and top-mounted laser targeting pod.

The plane is expected to become a key component of the multi-layered missile defense system envisaged by President George W. Bush.

end Snip....

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/719355/posts

[demlosers]

...Wouldn't surprise me if this thing didn't get a test run in the upcoming GW II.

Thats exactly what I would do. Nothing better than war time conditions to test a new prototype weapon.