It is the first successful test of a futuristic, directed energy weapon and realises what had previously just been a science fiction fantasy.Former U.S. President Ronald Reagan controversially proposed 30 years ago having lasers in space to bring down missiles.
Aviation experts Boeing provide the airframe for the plane, which is a modified 747 jumbo jet. Aerospace and defence contractor Northrop Grumman produce the high-energy laser and Lockheed Martin are developing the beam and fire control system.
'This was the first directed energy lethal intercept demonstration against a liquid-fuel boosting ballistic missile target from an airborne platform,' the U.S. MDA said.
It added: 'The revolutionary use of directed energy is very attractive for missile defence, with the potential to attack multiple targets at the speed of light at a range of hundreds of kilometres and at a low cost per intercept attempt compared to current technologies.'
The test took place at Point Mugu's Naval Air Warfare Center-Weapons Division Sea Range off Ventura in California. MDA did not say what the range was.
Work on the system has been going on for around 10 years and has cost more than $1billion. Until now, the laser beams have managed to hit stationary targets from stationary platforms but direction one from a plane at a moving target is a huge leap forward. (Daily Mail)
