Posted on 07/31/2007 6:40:28 PM PDT by RDTF
This latest test demonstrates ABL's ability to use both its illuminator lasers to track a simulated target, compensate for atmospheric disturbances, and complete the engagement sequence by simultaneously propagating a surrogate high energy laser to the target aircraft.
This latest test, conducted on 24 July, demonstrates ABL's ability to use both it's illuminator lasers to track a simulated target, compensate for atmospheric disturbances, and to complete to engagement sequence by simultaneously propagating a surrogating a surrogate high energy laser to the target.
(Excerpt) Read more at mda.mil ...
too cool!
Which is reason enough for the leftists to kill it — as is Dodd’s plan. We have to make sure that our allies don’t have an adequate defense against either the commies or the Islamofanatics.
The ultimate zot! The FR Viking Kitties need upgrading to this firepower ASAP. :)
bump
Wasn’t it Dashole who said a Missile Defense system was the dumbest idea he ever heard of?
And why are we telling the whole world about our military systems? Keep them secret and unleash them when needed.
Because our Military buys it's equipment from private enterprise, general capabilities are public knowledge.
Trouble is that when you try to keep a major weapons system deal too secret Congress doesn't provide any money (you do have to ask, after all). And if you can't buy any you cannot unleash any.
Or promote their presence. And never have to unleash them.
26 July 2007
Airborne Laser Demonstrates Full Weapon System Engagement Sequence in Flight
Lieutenant General Henry “Trey” Obering, Missile Defense Agency director, announced today that the Airborne Laser (ABL) program has accomplished another historic “first” on July 24, 2007 by propagating its Beacon Illuminator Laser (BILL) and using the return to compensate for atmospheric disturbances. This announcement comes on the heels of the program’s July 13 demonstration of an engagement sequence using a beacon from the target aircraft. This latest test, conducted on 24 July, demonstrates ABL’s ability to use both its illuminator lasers to track a simulated target, compensate for atmospheric disturbances, and to complete the engagement sequence by simultaneously propagating a surrogate high energy laser to the target. In addition, laser run times demonstrated in flight are of durations that are more than adequate to destroy ballistic missiles. This is a major step toward completing the second of the program’s two Low Power System Integration-Active Flight Test knowledge points, the first of which was accomplished earlier this month.
The successful engagement included detecting the Big Crow (modified NC-135) target board, tracking it with the Tracking Illuminator Laser (TILL), detecting and compensating for atmospheric distortions with the BILL’s return off the target, and engaging with the Surrogate High Energy Laser (SHEL).
ABL will continue its highly successful flight tests against the Big Crow airborne target to further characterize ABL’s performance before beginning installation of the advanced Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser (COIL) at Edwards Air Force Base later this summer.
The ABL will be the first combat aircraft relying entirely upon a directed energy device as a weapon. It is designed to use directed energy to destroy a ballistic missile target shortly after it is launched, in its “boost phase” of flight. When operational, the ABL will be an integral part of a layered Ballistic Missile Defense System.
News media point of contact is Rick Lehner, Missile Defense Agency, at (703) 697-8997 or richard.lehner@mda.mil
Don’t wet your pants yet folks. ABL can track a test target. This is good. Wait until the COIL (Chemical Oxygen-Iodine Laser) fries one before we crack open the champagne. When it it fries a test missile in flight - then we break out the Cubans and fire em up. OK? This is good news, not great news (yet).
I’ve been seeing a rash of these new weapons systems that we are acquiring. My guess is that it’s for Iran’s (among others) consumption.
As a former pilot of the plane in the top picture (Airborne Laser Lab- ALL), it warmed my heart ot see the picture you posted. The ALL is now at Wright-Patt on display for everyone to see.
You flew that beast!?
I really think the really good stuff stays under wraps.
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