Airborne Laser Gets High Marks in Test

The developmental U.S. Airborne Laser in a recent test successfully fired “surrogate” lasers from the interior of an aircraft, The Wichita Eagle reported today (see GSN, March 2).

The test was conducted at a Boeing facility in Wichita using a modified 747.

“The surrogate-laser tests provide further proof that the ABL (Airborne Laser) design is sound,” Pan Shanahan, Boeing Missile Defense Systems vice president and general manager, said in a statement.

Airborne Lasers ultimately are intended to be placed inside airplanes and to shoot down incoming enemy missiles. They would include high-powered lasers and illuminator beams, rather than the low-energy lasers used in the test, the Eagle reported.

The test proved that the optics and mirrors, sensor system, software controls and safety systems functioned accurately, Boeing said. (Molly McMillin, The Wichita Eagle, June 28).

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