Airborne Laser Ground Tests Successful

A recent series of Airborne Laser tests were successfully completed, SPX reported yesterday (see GSN, Dec. 1).

Tests of the U.S. missile defense project at Edwards Air Force Base in California demonstrated lasing duration and power sufficient to destroy multiple classes of ballistic missiles, according to a Boeing release.

“This is a major technological achievement for the Airborne Laser program,” said Pat Shanahan, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems, the primary contractor on the project. “Proving the capability of this laser to operate at lethal levels of power and duration moves the system a major step closer to becoming a vital component of the nation’s boost-phase defense against a ballistic missile threat” (Boeing release/SpaceWar.com, Dec. 12)

Back to top
About Newswire  |  Contact National Journal  |  Re-Use Guidelines © Copyright 2008 by National Journal Group, Inc. The material in this section is produced independently for NTI by National Journal Group, Inc. Any reproduction or retransmission, in whole or in part, is a violation of federal law and is strictly prohibited without the consent of the National Journal Group, Inc. All rights reserved.