August 23, 2010 :: Global Security Newswire :: News
(8/18/10): 
The Missile Defense Agency has postponed a nightime test of the airborne laser (known as the Airborne Laser Test Bed since the defense department downgraded its status in the budget). The test was supposed to have taken place last night and would have determined the weapon's effectiveness at a range twice that of previous tests. The laser, mounted on the nose of a Boeing 747 and used to intercept missiles, has faced its share of skeptics since the start of the program. Many thought that atmospheric interference would render it useless at most effective ranges. After tests over the last few years, the most notable being two intercepts in February, it has become increasingly apparent that some of the technical hurdles have been overcome.
MDA's press release states that the test was postponed because of a problem with the cooling system on the tracking camera. The test has now been pushed to August 21.
UPDATE (8/23/10): The test has now been postponed again, due to problems with a cooling component. (Article)
» Missile system details for: Airborne Laser (ABL)
