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Airborne Laser Tests Completed
A round of flight tests has concluded on the U.S. Airborne Laser program, which would detect, track and destroy ballistic missiles, the Wichita Business Journal reported Wednesday (see GSN, July 28). The modified Boeing 747 was tested at Edwards Air Force base in California and is being transported to Boeing facilities in Kansas. A company spokesman said the Airborne Laser completed flight tests measured the system’s ability to select and track targets. Boeing did not say when the system would arrive in Kansas. Boeing expects to spend six months strengthening the back of the aircraft so that it can hold additional weight from the system (Ken Vandruff, Wichita Business Journal, Aug. 3). Meanwhile, New Mexico Senators Pete Domenici (R) and Jeff Bingaman (D) yesterday asked Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to consider housing the laser system at Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico, the Associated Press reported. The base is among 33 set to close under the Base Realignment and Closure program. “A strategic asset like the Airborne Laser program is best suited in a rural area with plenty of airspace and sufficient infrastructure to support a significant amount of personnel and equipment,” Domenici said. “It appears to me that Cannon Air Force Base would be a perfect fit” (Associated Press/Clovis News Journal, Aug. 5).
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