Boeing’s High-Energy Laser Test Begins
Boeing, industry teammates, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency have begun testing a high-energy laser at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
After installing the laser aboard the Airborne Laser (ABL) aircraft, the team will test to confirm sequencing and control. Upon completion, the team will fire the laser. The goal of the project is to demonstrate lasing duration at sufficient levels for destroying multiple classes of ballistic missiles.
Mike Rinn, Boeing vice president and ABL program director, said in a press release that the team “has done a great job preparing the high-energy laser for these fuel tests, which will lead the way toward achieving ‘first light’ of the laser aboard the aircraft.”
According to Boeing, the ABL aircraft is a modified Boeing 747-400F designed and built by Northrop Grumman. The front portion holds the beam control/fire control system and battle management system, developed by Lockheed Martin and Boeing, respectively.
The test campaign is set to begin the first airborne intercept of a ballistic missile in 2009.
(Source: Boeing)
Tags: Boeing, laser technology