High Energy Laser Weapons Systems Applications - The Black Vault

Figure 2. Airborne Laser Concept
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The ABL program is integrating a multi-megawatt chemical oxygen
iodine laser (COIL) into a modified Boeing-747 to destroy boosting
TBMs. The aircraft laser system consists of four main assemblies:
• The laser assembly to provide laser power.
• The beam control assembly that acquires the target, aligns the
laser, and compensates for atmospheric distortion.
• The battle management and communications, command, control
and intelligence subsystem to provide engagement and fire control.
• The turret assembly that locates and tracks targets and propagates
the laser beam.
The turret assembly contains a 1.5-meter-diameter telescope and is
mounted on the nose of the aircraft. Six onboard infrared sensors will
provide 360 degrees of coverage to autonomously detect missile boost
motor plumes. The aircraft, cruising at approximately 40,000 feet, will
use the high-energy, 1.3-micron-wavelength laser to heat missile
structures to their failing point.
ABL is to have a salvo engagement capability to destroy 20 to 40
enemy missiles. With in-flight refueling, a few ABL aircraft could, for an
extended period, provide protection for allied forces and theater civilian
centers against the missile threat during a regional conflict. The ABL is to
be able to operate effectively as part of a tiered theater missile defense,
operating in concert with various ground-based and sea-based systems, as
the concept of operations in Figure 3 illustrates. The system can also be
deployed singly to a threat area in the absence of other systems.
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