Airborne Laser Testbed: Physics & Why Airborne?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the physics of the Airborne Laser Testbed and the meaning of the term 'airborne' in this context. Participants explore the implications of the term and clarify misunderstandings related to laser deployment and operation.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the physics behind the Airborne Laser Testbed and the significance of it being 'airborne'.
  • Another participant provides a link to a related resource, suggesting it may contain relevant information.
  • Some participants clarify that not all lasers are airborne, with one humorously noting that their lab lasers can be considered airborne under certain conditions.
  • A participant suggests that the original poster may have misunderstood 'airborne' as referring to the laser's propagation through air rather than its deployment from an aircraft.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange regarding the potential for misunderstanding based on language proficiency, with references to English as a second language.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the understanding of 'airborne' and its implications, indicating that multiple interpretations and misunderstandings exist.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about language proficiency and the potential for misinterpretation based on the original poster's background. There are no resolved mathematical or technical details regarding the physics of the Airborne Laser Testbed.

v_pino
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Is there any information on the physics of the airborne laser testbed available?

Also, why is it 'airborne'? Is it referring to the laser? But aren't all lasers airborne?

Thanks x
 
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Do you mean this:?
http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/military/abl/index.html

Not all lasers are airborne- well, the ones in my lab are when I get p!ssed at them...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Andy Resnick said:
Not all lasers are airborne- well, the ones in my lab are when I get p!ssed at them...

:smile:

Obviously, V_pino has mistaken "airborne" to mean that the laser propagates through air. The fact that it refers to the weapon being deployed from an aeroplane seems to have eluded him. Depending upon his age and education level, that might be an understandable error.
 
Danger said:
Depending upon his age and education level, that might be an understandable error.

#include "English_is_my_2nd_language.h"
 
Borek said:
#include "English_is_my_2nd_language.h"

Quite right. Sometimes I overlook that possibility when the poster's spelling and grammar are good. :redface:
 

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