ABL making slow but steady progress, first missile shoot down test in late 2008

After a year of ground tests, a laser weapon is approaching performance levels capable of destroying an enemy missile in flight, defense officials said.

If the military can get the weapon to work well enough for service, it will be installed into a highly modified Boeing 747-400 freighter. The laser would then be tested against actual missiles.

"Our goal is shoot down a boosting ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean in late 2008," said Air Force Col. John Daniels, program director. "The missile will be launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base into the Pacific Test Range, where we will engage it."

Originally posted by deltaboy
not to mention shooting down aircraft if possible.

Originally posted by Murcielago
makes you wonder...if the ABL went up against a Raptor...who would win?

Originally posted by NWguy83


Who can't be detected by the other.

Originally posted by Murcielago
but the ABL can destroy whatever missile the Raptor fires at it (which arn't stealth)...and they could put a big radar in the ABL to detect the raptor sooner.

of course its all hypothetical, but if 1 Raptor went up against a ABL, I think i'd put my money on the ABL.

Originally posted by NWguy83


But if the Raptor came from behind and fired it's missile...