The Airborne Laser system tracked another missile on Saturday, building on its success in a similar test the week before, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency announced (see GSN, June 9).
The Airborne Laser is a converted 747-400F jumbo jet that would employ sophisticated technology to target and destroy ballistic missiles in the boost phase of flight. In Saturday's test, it used sensors to track a ground-launched missile.
A full test of the Airborne Laser, involving an actual intercept attempt, is scheduled for later in the year (U.S. Missile Defense Agency release, June 15).