Missile Defense Agency to Conduct Airborne Laser Tests Amid Cost Overruns, Schedule Concerns

The U.S. Missile Defense Agency is expected to conduct to two tests this year of its Airborne Laser program, according to Aerospace Daily & Defense Report (see GSN, July 12).

The tests are set to include the “first light” of Northrop Grumman’s kill laser and the first flight of Lockheed Martin’s beam control/fire control system, Air Force Col.-select Jerry Rodney Couick said yesterday.

Program cost overruns that could reach $2 billion combined with delays have caused concern among lawmakers.

Representative Terry Everett (R-Ala.), who supports missile defense, said late last month that he is “deeply concerned that program costs may spiral to unanticipated levels which will place ABL in serious danger of survival” (Marc Selinger, Aerospace Daily & Defense Report, Aug. 20).

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