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As America continues to find ways to fight "terrorism", new forms of technology have been developed to fight the proclaimed terrorists. The bulbous nose on a modified 747 is an early sign of progress in a weapons system that one day may fulfill the goals of the Pentagon's Airborne Laser program. The aircraft recently made its first cross-country flight, landing at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, just as Congress is debating funding for the program as part of the overall defense budget for fiscal 2008. The Air Force and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency's plans for applying the laser weapon against ballistic missiles is still undetermined.

Capabilities of this airplane include: Operates autonomously, above the clouds, outside the range of threat weapons but sufficiently close to enemy territory. Engages early, destroying ballistic missiles in their boost phase of flight over launch area. Cues and tracks targets, communicating with other joint theater assets for layered defense system.

As for being unique technology, this airplane definitely fits the profile. A nose-mounted turret with 1.5m telescope that focuses beams on missile and collects return image and signals and a beam Control System to acquire and track targets with precision accuracy. Look for further developments of the ABL as the global threat of ballistic missiles becomes ever more prevalent.

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