"The Missile Defense Agency demonstrated the potential use of directed energy to defend against ballistic missiles when the Airborne Laser Testbed (ALTB) successfully destroyed a boosting ballistic missile" the agency said.
The high-powered Airborne Laser system is being developed by Boeing Co., the prime contractor, and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency.
Boeing produces the airframe, a modified 747 jumbo jet, while Northrop Grumman supplies the higher-energy laser and Lockheed Martin is developing the beam and fire control systems.
"This was the first directed energy lethal intercept demonstration against a liquid-fuel boosting ballistic missile target from an airborne platform," the agency added.
Boeing 747 successfully destroys missile with laser weapon
Posted on Friday, February 12 2010 @ 19:19 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Reuters reports the U.S. Missile Defense Agency shot down a ballistic missile in the first successful test of an airborne laser weapon.