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ABL Fires High-Powered Laser Through Beam Control For First Time; New ABL Uses Seen

DDN

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

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By Dave Ahearn The Airborne Laser (ABL) scored an important first when it fired a high-powered megawatt class laser weapon through a beam control/fire control nose turret on a highly modified Boeing [BA] 747-400F jumbo jet aircraft, the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) and Boeing said yesterday. A Boeing program leader also disclosed that the company and its teammates are investigating potential new uses for the ABL system beyond killing enemy missiles shortly after they are launched, with those potential new…

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]