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http://www.spacedaily.com/news/laser-04v.htmlMassive "Raygun" Fires Up In Megawatt Laser Test
The U.S. Missile Defense Agency has successfully test-fired the megawatt-class laser built by Northrop Grumman for the Airborne Laser (ABL) system, marking the first time such a powerful directed energy weapon suitable for use in an airborne environment has been demonstrated...
...The ABL is the first airborne megawatt-class laser weapon system. The ABL is a specially configured 747-400F aircraft, designed to autonomously detect, track and destroy hostile ballistic missiles during the boost phase.[continued]
The Tactical High Energy Laser Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrator (THEL ACTD) was designed and built by a Northrop Grumman-led team for the U.S. Army Space & Missile Defense Command and the Israel Ministry of Defence. Now being used as the Mobile THEL (MTHEL) Test Bed, THEL has been proving laser defense system capability since June 2000, when it began shooting down Katyusha rockets singly and in salvos.
...This remarkable success was made possible by Northrop Grumman’s disciplined approach to design, integration and testing of this revolutionary system. THEL does not depend on exotic or unproven technologies. It was designed from the beginning as an operational laser weapon demonstrator, not a “white coat laboratory system.” The result: it’s real and it works – after nearly four years of field operations, and after shooting down dozens of threats, it continues to operate reliably, engaging new threats it was not originally designed to engage. [continued]
A Megawatt Airborne LASER is a powerful LASER system mounted on an aircraft, typically a military aircraft, capable of producing a LASER beam with a power output of one megawatt or higher.
The Megawatt Airborne LASER is fired using a series of optical components, such as mirrors and lenses, to focus and direct the LASER beam towards its target. The LASER is activated by a control system on the aircraft, which can be operated by a pilot or remotely.
The main purpose of a Megawatt Airborne LASER is for military operations, such as air defense, anti-satellite missions, and precision strikes on ground targets. It can also be used for scientific research and experimentation.
There are several advantages of using a Megawatt Airborne LASER over traditional weapons. These include greater precision, longer range, and faster speed of the LASER beam, as well as the ability to engage multiple targets simultaneously. Additionally, the use of a LASER reduces the risk of collateral damage and is more cost-effective in the long run.
While the use of a Megawatt Airborne LASER has many advantages, there are also limitations and challenges. These include atmospheric conditions, such as clouds or fog, which can affect the accuracy of the LASER beam. Additionally, the power source for the LASER system must be sufficient for sustained use, and the system must be carefully aimed to avoid hitting unintended targets.