[转帖]Airborne Laser test is a success

Airborne Laser test is a success
BY MOLLY MCMILLIN
The Wichita Eagle
The Airborne Laser completed a ground test last month, which successfully demonstrated its ability to track and target a ballistic missile.

The test was conducted at Boeing Wichita's facilities. Boeing announced the test's results on Thursday. The Airborne Laser operates aboard a Wichita-modified Boeing 747-400F aircraft.

During the testing, the Airborne Laser located a simulated boosting ballistic missile target created by a target simulator.

The June 6 testing also was able to simulate the atmospheric turbulence, and the airborne laser was able to compensate for it.

The equipment used in the test is part of the plane's beam control and fire control system.

The program plans to install and test the illuminators later this year. The high-energy laser is expected to be installed in the aircraft next year. The first missile shoot-down test is scheduled for 2008.

The airborne laser's mission is to track and shoot down ballistic missiles in their boost phase of flight.

The 747 aircraft used for the laser's platform is in Wichita for further modifications. About 200 people in Wichita work on the program; the majority are Boeing employees. Wichita workers are nearing the completion of work to install the chemical tanks and the wiring and plumbing systems.

The aircraft will return to Edwards Air Force Base in California at the end of this year.

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