After last week’s tac-laser test, looks like laser missile defense is moving closer too…
From Boeing:
The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA], industry teammates and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency achieved another significant milestone for the Airborne Laser (ABL) missile defense program this month by completing the first laser activation testing on the ground at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
The final plumbing and wiring installations will be completed in the coming weeks. All major components of the weapon system, including the battle management system, laser components, and beam control/fire control system, were installed earlier.
Laser activation testing is a methodical process to ensure ABL’s high-energy chemical laser has been properly integrated aboard the aircraft and is ready to produce enough power to destroy a ballistic missile. The tests first flow water or other inert substances through the laser to verify its integrity. Next, the laser’s chemicals flow through the laser to confirm sequencing and control.
When the activation tests are complete, ground firings of the laser will occur, followed by flight tests of the entire ABL weapon system. The test phase will culminate in an airborne intercept test against a ballistic missile in 2009.
The ABL aircraft consists of a modified Boeing 747-400F whose back half holds the high-energy laser, designed and built by Northrop Grumman. The aircraft’s front half contains the beam control/fire control system, developed by Lockheed Martin, and the battle management system, provided by Boeing.
I sincerely wish Boeing luck on this one. It seems incredibly complicated and sort of a niche capability that in an era of tightening Pentagon budgets might be seen as overkill. But to the extent the program enhances US knowledge of high-end lasers, it’s a good program to have around.
– Christian
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Another incredible waste of money and effort. This thing is a non-starter if ever there was one. Just underlines the Pentagons obsession with bright shiny toys.
Why is it the airborne lasers (both of them) are so far along, but the ground-based version, meant to destroy mortars rockets and artillery, are nowhere to be seen?
They need a truck with one of these lasers, not a 747.
I’m curious as to why you think the pentagon budget is tightening.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/03/washington/03cnd-military.html?hp
this article seems to suggest that funding for the armed services are at an all time high.
Markus – wrong. While yes, this project is behind schedule and over budget (what isn ‘t these days), its still worth all the time and money, lasers have a very bright future ahead of them (no pun intended). next year when this thing shoots down a missile, I expect you to post again, stating that you were wrong.
Jeff M – There is work being done on ground lasers, chemical & solid state. like THEL/MTHEL, among others. and Zues the 10kw laser humvee has being deployed to many countries (its mainly used for destroying old munitions, like a giant pile of iraqi guns, ied’s and other odds and ends).
joeblow – the budget IS tightening when it comes to projects like these, there is less R&D money to go around because so much is being spent on Iraq & Afganistan.
AS for the article:
Cool. Props to the big 3 for getting this far, and cant wait to see her in action in the skies.
Expand R&D for air & ground Fixed & mobile LASER units, expand ABL.
Get it tested & over Japan or HI or Wash DC area
or EU airspace alone.
Maximize the laser output IE # beams shot out.
More jobs.
More defense.
CUT the DoD BS & Fund this.
Would appreciate a little background here. Exactly what is the mission of the ABL? ABM? Anti-cruise missile? Air to air? It can’t be air to ground, can it?
Will, the tactical laser they posted about last week was air to ground. This laser today is supposed to become part of the missile defense program, so anti-ICBM, I would believe.
Yes, I suppose protecting the American people from potential nuclear annihilation is a waste of time, isn’t it, Markus? I suppose we could just fold up shop and invite the Russians or the Chinese to come on over and do what they want with us. That would be the “One-World” ideal solution, wouldn’t it? Everybody all happy-clappy, holdy-handsy around the United Nations table.
On the other hand, I for one am not interested in becoming part of a Russian or communist Chinese satrap. I like the idea of a strong national defense with American sovereignty to decide what is best for us first, don’t you agree?
The ABL actually has the potential to change the whole approach to air/space dominance because it can shoot down ICBM’s, aircraft, low earth orbit satellites, and protect itself from SAM’s. This is just a prototype we’re getting to see, and a much more capable version could be fielded, if everything with the ABL checks out.