Airborne Laser Returns to Flight

  • Published
  • By Michael Davis
  • 417th Flight Test Squadron
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The YAL-1A Airborne Laser successfully returned to flight, April 17, marking a program milestone that represents another step closer toward system demonstration.

The ABL is a missile defense system mounted on a modified Boeing 747-400Fand this was its first flight since August 2007. The program has been performing ground tests of the integrated weapon system and has seen progress toward the late 2009 target of a test missile shoot down.

Everyone is extremely pleased and excited to see the program embark on the latest flight test series.

"Integrating the full-up weapon system, completing ground testing in the hangar, and then preparing the aircraft for a return to flight were monumental achievements," said Lt. Col. Michael Contratto, ABL Combined Test Force director. "Extended periods of 24 hour operations were the norm for the dedicated members of the ABL CTF. While we have much left to accomplish, this first flight of the high power test series is evidence that we are on the verge of fulfilling the promise of this revolutionary technology."

The ABL, A Missile Defense Agency program, is the first of its kind; a megawatt-class chemical laser designed as a missile defense system to protect against ballistic missiles. Several contractors are involved with the program and work in concert toward reaching major milestones. Boeing provides the aircraft, the management team and the systems integration processes, Northrop Grumman is responsible for the high power chemical oxygen iodine laser, and Lockheed Martin supplies the nose turret and fire control system.

The process hasn't always been easy, but the teams have overcome the difficulties they have faced, according to Michael Rinn, Boeings vice president and ABL program director.

"The team at Edwards  is dedicated to ushering in a new age of Directed Energy Systems. They have overcome many obstacles and accomplished many historic firsts," said Mr. Rinn.

With modification, ABL offers the opportunity to counter aircraft, surface-to-air missiles and cruise missiles, further adding to the capabilities of the next-generation defense plane.

The short duration flight took place April 17 and is just the beginning as ABL will continue to return to the skies with increased frequency in upcoming months.