Airborne Laser Program Makes Progress Toward 2008 Missile Defense Goals

Strategic Insights -

The Airborne Laser (ABL) program, a key component of the US Missile Defense Agency's (MDA) layered ballistic missile defense system, has made significant progress toward its objectives for FY '05 in ground-based laser testing and airworthiness flight-testing. Boeing, the ABL prime contractor, has reported that the program has achieved two key risk reduction milestones: firing the flight laser in a ground-based system integration lab (SIL) and putting the aircraft into flight tests to demonstrate its airworthiness at full weight and center of gravity. The program aims to intercept all classes of ballistic missiles, from short-range to ICBMs, in the boost phase of the layered defense system, with a goal of shooting down a ballistic missile in flight by 2008.

Key Takeaways:

  • The ABL program has achieved two key risk reduction milestones: firing the flight laser in a ground-based SIL and putting the aircraft into flight tests to demonstrate its airworthiness at full weight and center of gravity.
  • The program aims to intercept all classes of ballistic missiles, from short-range to ICBMs, in the boost phase of the layered defense system.
  • Boeing, the ABL prime contractor, will begin integrating battle management and beam control systems together, with a focus on aligning the beam control system and turret in flight.
  • The conformal window has been unstowed and operated over its entire operating envelope without any issues.
  • The ground-based SIL has performed over 50 lasing operations, with a goal of achieving full power by the end of the year.
  • The program is methodically proceeding step by step, with plans to transfer the aircraft to the Boeing military modification center in Wichita, Kan., for equipment installation and then back to Edwards for laser module installation.

Statistics:

  • The ABL program has achieved six modules of the high-energy laser and two optical benches in the ground-based SIL, with over 50 lasing operations performed since December 2004.
  • The laser has been operated repeatedly, including multiple lasings over short time periods and back-to-back tests.
  • The aircraft has completed airworthiness testing, with no issues reported, and is expected to complete flight testing by the end of the year.
  • The program aims to achieve full power on the test stand by the end of the year.
  • The program will transfer the aircraft to the Boeing military modification center in Wichita, Kan., for equipment installation and then back to Edwards for laser module installation.

Sources:

  • Defense Daily, Dec. 7
  • Defense Daily, Jan. 26