747-based L@ser Weapon

[snapper41]

I bet it needs a fair few AA batteries!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/28/wlaser128.xml

[noregrets]

Hasn't this been bumping around for a while now? ISTR that it was designed originally for destroying boost phase/incoming ICBMs or satellites - all part of Ronnie's SDI. I guess they've modified it because there's no ICBM threat now - yeah right :E

[Tigs2]

I remember seeing a 747 with internal mounted laser gun in Saudi during GW1.

It is the way to go, but the defence companies will lose billions. Just think, no more need for bombs. My only question is, how the hell do they power it?? Any techies care to hazard a guess? Must it be using Nuclear power?

[allyn]

It's chemically pumped or whatever the correct term is...some details here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airborne_laser

[Focks 2]

Think its fair to say its no smoking.

PDF file linky (http://0x4d.net/files/AF1/R11%20Segment%2010.pdf)

[MightyGem]

Seem to recall reading about it here. (http://www.megafortress.com/14.htm)

[Double Zero]

Tigs2,

Not meaning to be insulting in any way, but was it a laser GUN or Designator on the 747 ? Either way maybe not best told in public.

The anti-ICBM 747 development ( as far as can be public ) has been well told in magazines and though I understand your logic, I understand it's chemical / generator powered - at least that's the official version.

The results of a current even vaguely 'stealth' or modern fighter aircraft coming down are a major problem for fire-fighters etc; anything nuclear would probably bring down the Administration !

Personally I don't mind if they DO use nuclear power...

[Two's in]

The 747 ABL is like a boys own chemistry set inside. The very thought of a RAF Plod doing a DAC check on it makes me giggle. Everything is either explosive, corrosive, inflammable or usually all three. The theory is great, but you have to catch the offending article during the launch phase, which means you have to be within a specific radius of the potential launch site. Thank God no-one has invented portable launchers - oh wait...

[Re-Heat]

I rather fail to understand the point of it - it is highly expensive, and limited edition (so to speak) by virtue of there being so few of them.

Sop to Boeing to increase revenues, rather than a useful weapon(s) platform [of course they only have one shot - so weapon it is]. Cold war thinking at work.

[PictureClear]

it is highly expensive, and limited edition (so to speak) by virtue of there being so few of them.


I thinks it's fair to say that so was the jet engine at one time :E

[jez_s]

Hasn't a 'mini-me' version been fitted to a USAF C-130, i think it was pallet mounted with a retractable turret mounted in its belly.

And isn't there a heat type laser being trialled for crowd control that bolts onto a Hmmv. (They did a demo on some journos which I found strangely amusing:D)

Wonder if a nice big mirror would be a way of defeating these bad boys!!:ok:

[Tigs2]

Thats it Jez

Stick mirrors on your tanks and your sorted. Laser proof tanks.

[Razor61]

This http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/abl/ shows how the programme is progessing and details a bit about the project.

Didn't they test this first on the ground in New Mexico against a QF-4 drone?