Airborne Laser Testbed: Physics & Why Airborne?

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The discussion centers on the Airborne Laser Testbed (ALT) and clarifies the meaning of "airborne," which refers to the laser system being deployed from an aircraft, rather than the laser itself being airborne. Participants humorously address a misunderstanding about lasers, emphasizing that not all lasers are airborne in the context of military applications. The conversation also touches on the availability of information regarding the physics behind the airborne laser testbed. Overall, the thread highlights the importance of understanding terminology in military technology discussions. The exchange reflects a mix of technical inquiry and light-hearted banter among participants.
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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...
 
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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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