Boeing Airborne Laser Test Successful
Defense contractor Boeing and the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) announced the success of the Airborne Laser’s (ABL) first in-flight test. The ABL tracked and hit a missile target launched from San Nicolas Island off the California coast. (Source)
The ABL was mounted to Boeing’s modified 747, which took off from Edwards Air Force Base, and its infrared sensors found the target.
Michael Rinn, Boeing vice president and head of the ABL program, said, “This test demonstrates that the Airborne Laser can fully engage an in-flight missile with its battle management and beam control/fire control system. Pointing and focusing a laser beam on a target that is rocketing skyward at thousands of miles per hour is no easy task, but the Airborne Laser is uniquely able to do the job.”
Tags: ABL, Airborne Laser, Boeing