Boeing yal-1

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

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. Unlike most other US defense contracts, several companies, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, were involved in this deal. Before working on the real thing, the Air Force performed laser tests on a retired Air India Boeing in The main aim was to test the COIL or chemical oxygen iodine laser system and perform elaborate checks to ensure all components fit well. Boeing used a brand-new F and made some minor modifications to the airframe in The aircraft took its first flight on July 18th later the same year. The following years saw more ground tests, but the YAL-1 achieved a monumental feat in In February , the YAL-1 successfully intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile in its boost phase. This marked the first time an airborne directed-energy weapon had destroyed a ballistic missile in flight.

Boeing military aircraft. In addition to the costs, the YAL-1 also had other operational drawbacks and range issues.

It was primarily designed to test its feasibility as a missile defense system to destroy tactical ballistic missiles TBMs while in boost phase. Department of Defense. The YAL-1 with a low-power laser was test-fired in flight at an airborne target in It was ultimately scrapped in September after all usable parts were removed. It shot down several missiles in tests conducted in the s. The development of the system was being accomplished by a team of contractors.

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.

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. Unlike most other US defense contracts, several companies, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, were involved in this deal.

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Advancements in laser technology, beam control systems, and tracking capabilities could lead to more efficient and robust systems capable of intercepting and destroying ballistic missiles at various trajectory stages. UOS is a special machine with mine clearance tool copying terrain surface. Sign up for our Newsletter. The threat of Scud strikes on coalition forces during the Gulf War renewed the idea of airborne laser systems source. The main components of the laser system included:. Read Edit View history. 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. On 12 February , the YAL-1 flew its final flight and landed at Davis-Monthan AFB , Arizona, where it was placed in storage at the "boneyard" operated by the th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group until it was ultimately scrapped in September after all usable parts were removed. The primary objective of the YAL-1 Airborne Laser program was to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of using directed energy weapons to intercept and destroy enemy missiles. Additionally, developments in materials science and optics and advancements in adaptive optics and beam control will contribute to the evolution of airborne laser technology. By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Orlando Sentinel. The original ALL, being a relatively long wavelength, sub-megawatt laser, killed its targets via two mechanisms. The Boeing F is the freighter version of the airliner.

It was designed to shoot down ballistic missiles in the boost phase of their flight, providing a defensive capability against missile threats.

Download as PDF Printable version. The original ALL, being a relatively long wavelength, sub-megawatt laser, killed its targets via two mechanisms. This laser was powerful enough to track and destroy ballistic missiles from a distance while still in their boost phase. Sign up for our Newsletter. Article by: Defensebridge. Eric M. Tiahrt, who thinks that this program should, or would, ever be operationally deployed. Imaging Systems: The YAL-1 may have incorporated imaging systems, such as electro-optical EO or infrared imaging cameras, to capture real-time visual information about the target. The ABL did not burn through or disintegrate its target. The Boeing F is the freighter version of the airliner.