An anti-missile airborne laser passed a critical ground test, the program's lead contractor, Boeing Co., said Monday.
Last week, the high-energy laser fired through the Airborne Laser's beam control/fire control system, which steered and focused the beam onto a simulated ballistic-missile target.
The procedure represented the first ground test of the entire weapon system integrated aboard a Boeing 747-400F aircraft.
The laser is scheduled to conduct a missile shootdown demonstration next year. Northrop Grumman Space Technology in Redondo Beach built the high-energy laser for the program.
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