U.S. laser beam destroys liquid-fueled missile

William Atkins
Saturday, 13 February 2010 22:59

Science - Energy

The U.S. Air Force  confirmed on Friday, February 12, 2010, that an experimental high-energy, airborne laser system destroyed a liquid-fueled missile while in flight. The successful test was the first time a U.S.-developed laser system has destroyed a boosting-phase missile.



On Thursday, February 11, 2010, a U.S. Air Force airborne laser system tracked a missile while it flew over the California coast as a test of the country's national defense system.

The powerful laser system was mounted on a U.S. military aircraft, specifically a modified Boeing 747-400F.

The Boeing Company is the prime contractor for the airborne laser system, the Airborne Laser Testbed (ALTB) program.

Subcontractors for the ALTB program include Northrop Grumman, which supplies the higher-energy laser and Lockheed martin, which developed the beam system and the fire-control system.

The laser system, which was mounted in the nose of the aircraft, targeted the liquid-fueled missile as it flew during its 'boosting' phase near the Point Mugu Naval Warfare Center.

Then, the laser weapons system destroyed the missile by burning a hole through its side, the first time such a laser system had destroyed an in-flight ballistic missile that was fueled with liquid.

Page two continues.