Number: RL30185
Title: The Airborne Laser Anti-Missile Program
Authors: Michael E. Davey, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: This report describes technical issues and congressional options associated with the Air Force's attempt to build and install a multi-megawatt Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser (COIL) and a complex optical system to direct the laser to the target, in a modified Boeing 747 to destroy short range missiles in their boost phase. The ABL program is currently in its Program Definition and Risk Reduction (PDRR) phase. The PDRR is intended to produce a full-scale system with a half-power laser, that is scheduled to demonstrate the destruction of a launched missile in the fourth quarter of FY2003. The current estimated cost of the ABL is $11 billion, including $1.6 billion for the PDRR phase. The report describes the major systems components that make up the ABL including the three separate laser systems, the adaptive optics system (AOS) for atmospheric compensation, and the nose mounted turret. The report also examines a number of technical and operational issues facing the ABL including the building and testing of the COIL, missile tracking and atmospheric compensation, the timing of ABL testing, systems integration, and counter measures that could be employed to defeat the ABL. The report concludes with several policy options Congress may wish to consider regarding the future of the ABL program.
Pages: 36
Date: February 18, 2000