U.S. Airborne Laser Scores 1st Successful Missile Kill

(Source: AIA)The U.S. Missile Defense Agency said Friday that a high-powered airborne laser shot down a ballistic missile during its boost phase, the first successful test of the futuristic technology. Boeing is the lead contractor, with contributions from Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. "The revolutionary use of directed energy is very attractive for missile defense, with the potential to attack multiple targets at the speed of light, at a range of hundreds of kilometers, and at a low cost per intercept attempt compared to current technologies," the MDA said. (2/13)

Courtesy FLORIDA SPACErePORT