Lasers on target to destroy missiles

摘要

Boeing has test-fired its airborne laser from an aircraft. The firing of the high-energy chemical laser is a significant milestone in the development of the US' missile defence program. The system will undergo further ground tests building toward lethal levels of duration and power before it tries to shoot down a ballistic missile next year. The laser will be first fired into an onboard calorimeter, which captures the beam and measures its power. The laser beam then will be sent through the beam control/fire control system, exiting the aircraft through the nose-mounted turret. Earlier tests involved flowing the laser's chemicals through the laser to confirm sequencing and control.