Ballistic missle zapped by laser

[Normandog]

In an unannounced test a modified Co 747 hit a small ballistic missile in flight during the boosting stage. The boosting stage is the best time to track and hit a ballistic missile because the exhaust is bright and hot.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100212/ts_nm/us_usa_arms_laser

Hope the link works.

[Ratdog]

In an unannounced test a modified Co 747 hit a small ballistic missile in flight during the boosting stage. The boosting stage is the best time to track and hit a ballistic missile because the exhaust is bright and hot.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100212/ts_nm/us_usa_arms_laser

Hope the link works.

And they laughed at the concept of the Strategic Defense Initiative... I'd say, this is a big step towards that end.

[Normandog]

In an unannounced test a modified Co 747 hit a small ballistic missile in flight during the boosting stage. The boosting stage is the best time to track and hit a ballistic missile because the exhaust is bright and hot.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20100212/ts_nm/us_usa_arms_laser

Hope the link works.

And they laughed at the concept of the Strategic Defense Initiative... I'd say, this is a big step towards that end.

That's what I was thinking.

[Scanner]

Except the 747 has to be within 100 miles, and all the enemy has to do is put a reflective coating on the missile. Other than that, it's pretty cool.

[f6john]

    It may be a dud or it may be the Model T of a new weapons system, I glad it's being explored at least.

[mhallock]

The company I work for here in NJ designed and fabricated several valve assemblies for this
A.B.L. system........glad it tested successfully!

Mark

[alph]

I’d love to see it tested when N. Korea does its missile tests!  That would be so cool!!

[Ratdog]

I’d love to see it tested when N. Korea does its missile tests!  That would be so cool!!

LOL  I likes it !!     N. Korea's huge step into 20th century technology put up against an emerging 21st century technology of the U.S.of A.   

[fstsix]

That would be awesome to see a Korean missile explode!!, My wife worked on the Star Wars program in the 70's and 80's Huntington Beach ca, R & D Engineering Lab, missile defense, Whats up with the Pocket protecto thing!!! lol. still dont no why this purdy smart thing married me ? http://articles.latimes.com/1990-01-27/business/fi-758_1_star-wars

[Normandog]

I’d love to see it tested when N. Korea does its missile tests!  That would be so cool!!

Yessir, that would be nice. 

[Rocketman]

Except the 747 has to be within 100 miles, and all the enemy has to do is put a reflective coating on the missile. Other than that, it's pretty cool.

Except it isn't that easy to put a reflective coating on the missile, at least not one that's worth a dern.
No comment on the range.

I've been inside that plane.  Worked on that system for five years.  Very fun project, and I wish I was still with them when they finally fired it off for real.  The still-mighty technology sector of this country is slowly knocking the socks off of the critics who call it "un-proven missile defense."  Yes, it takes time and money.  That's what major technological breakthroughs require.  How much time and money is it worth it to you to not have a ballistic missile land in your backyard?

Watch some of the videos here:
http://www.mda.mil/news/gallery_altb.html
Very cool.  Very complex, but very cool.

Mark