Boeing yal-1

It was designed to shoot down ballistic missiles in the boost phase of their flight, providing a defensive capability against missile threats. The laser system used a chemical oxygen iodine laser COIL to emit a high-energy light beam. This laser was powerful enough to track and boeing yal-1 ballistic missiles from a distance while still in their boost phase, boeing yal-1.

Exactly 20 years ago today, a modified Boeing F took its first flight. The only difference? The US military started the airborne laser program ABL in , but an experimental prototype was already tested more than a decade ago. However, the project was not pursued any further despite the testbed providing impressive results. Interest in the program reignited when the Soviet Union began developing advanced Scud missiles during the Cold War.

Boeing yal-1

It carried two solid state lasers and a megawatt-class oxygen iodine directed energy weapon system COIL. On 3 February , it destroyed a Terrier Black Brant two-stage sounding rocket in the boost phase as it was launched from San Nicolas Island, off the coast of Southern California. The was a major development of the series. It had many structural and electronics improvements over the earlier models, which had debuted 18 years earlier. The Boeing F is the freighter version of the airliner. It has a shorter upper deck, no passenger windows and the nose can swing upward to allow cargo pallets or containers to be loaded. It is feet, 10 inches Empty weight is , pounds , kilograms. Maximum takeoff weight MTOW is , pounds , kilograms. It has a single-stage fan section, stage compressor 4 low- and 14 high-pressure stages and 7-stage turbine section 2 high- and 5 low-pressure stages. The fan diameter is 7 feet, 9.

The COIL laser combined chemicals within the laser system to generate the laser beam.

Lasers are a hallmark of military science fiction and, to casual observers, seem a long way off. This is not the case ; various nations have developed lasers for military purposes, namely, point defense. The Boeing YAL-1 represents a unique take on this trend and therefore is the subject of this article. Defense contractors designed the YAL-1 to intercept and destroy tactical theatre ballistic missiles during their launch stage source. Defense experts in the s identified lasers as a promising technology to tackle airborne threats, including planes and missiles source. COILs in the late 90s were eight times more powerful than earlier generations source.

This weekend, Saturday, November 6 and Sunday November 7, , the Thunder and Lightning over Tucson Airshow at Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona will thrill aviation enthusiasts from around the world with a unique mix of aerial and static displays that can only be presented at one of the most unique military aviation installations on earth. But 9 years ago, in , at this same Davis-Monthan Airshow, there was a very special exhibit that only appeared once, and then disappeared forever. In addition to being a massive repository for spare aircraft and parts, the Boneyard is also a living museum, where some of the most fascinating stories in all of aviation sit in quiet repose as their history echoes on into the future long after their demolition. The Davis-Monthan Airshow is always a special show because of its proximity to unique aviation artifacts and resources like the Boneyard and the Pima Air and Space Museum. It was the only time the public ever got a close look at the most expensive aircraft in history. The program was plagued with complex testing, mixed results and stratospheric cost overruns. The YAL-1 did, however, eventually experience testing success when, in January , its laser weapon engaged a ballistic missile surrogate simulating a ballistic missile. The program, the most expensive military aircraft in history to date, was beginning to show promise. On Feb.

Boeing yal-1

A research aircraft equipped with the turret, known as Aero-adaptive Aero-optic Beam Control ABC , recently conducted a series of airworthiness test flights. Find out more. Laser weapons have yet to be integrated with ABC; these flight tests are for the turret alone. Lockheed Martin used its flow control and optical compensation technologies counteract the effects of turbulence. In a triumph of putting the cart before the horse, effective laser weapons that can be used from aircraft have yet to be developed. A high-energy laser was first fired from YAL-1 in and tests continued through early

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Program Termination 5. It had a cruise speed of 0. The radar emits electromagnetic waves and analyzes the returning signals reflected off the target to determine its range, speed, and trajectory. By correcting for atmospheric effects, the adaptive optics system improved the laser beam's focus and maintained its intensity on the target. Retrieved June 17, It allowed the laser beam to be directed in different directions, enabling tracking and engagement of targets. Archived from the original on February 15, February 11, The newer ABL had enough energy when fired to vaporize the metal of the missile that it was currently targeting. One was by direct illumination and heating of the guidance sensor of an air-to-air missile, which defeated its tracking system. Hot and high conditions require more landing distance.

Lasers are a hallmark of military science fiction and, to casual observers, seem a long way off.

It is resistant to unexpected impacts in harsh weather conditions. United States Air Force. Center for Strategic and International Studies. The Beam Control System's main objective was to acquire and track the ballistic missile, compensate for atmospheric disturbances, and maintain precise alignment between the laser beam and the target throughout the engagement. This loop provided the path for the laser beam and ensured that it traveled through the system multiple times, enhancing its energy. The other was by heating a cruise missile or similar vehicle to the extent that the fuel tank exploded and destroyed the vehicle. Here are the key elements of the Beam Control System:. Airborne laser technology could be developed to counter these threats by providing a rapid and precise means of disabling or destroying hostile UAVs. Air turbulence deflects and distorts lasers. Shadin Avionics is a leader in the design and manufacturing of aircraft fuel management an engine monitoring products, data converters, and avionics interface systems for commercial, business, defense, special mission, unmanned, and general aviation. Of note is that the ALL demonstrated one of the early uses of deformable mirror technology. The operation of the COIL laser system involved several steps: Chemical Mixing: The gaseous oxygen and iodine were mixed in a reaction chamber within the laser system. It weighs 9, pounds 4, kilograms. Boeing aircraft model numbers.