[El Gato]

You would have to protect it with fighters and probably an AWACS, but the same can be said of the AWACS itself. The ex AWACS crew who was our project manager said the airplane should have a yellow stripe down the top. If any enemy got anywhere near, the tactic was to shut down the radar and dive to get outa Dodge as quickly as possible. :)

[El Gato]

Actual test of the 747 laser against an airborne target. There is a video of it somewhere IIRC.. here it is.

A System description video.

[tcrlaf]

“said the airplane should have a yellow stripe down the top. If any enemy got anywhere near, the tactic was to shut down the radar and dive to get outa Dodge as quickly as possible.”

As an Ex-Sentry/RivetJoint Crew Member, I wholeheartedly agree with that tactic.

[saganite]

And if the AWACS were to stay and “fight” what would you expect the outcome to be?

Rolls eyes.

[PapaBear3625]

You would have to protect it with fighters and probably an AWACS, but the same can be said of the AWACS itself.

You could have the AWACS do double-duty and mount the laser ON the AWACS. Be able to track fighters and missiles AND shoot them down from long range.