If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
#1
|
|||
|
|||
status of Air-Borne Laser programme?
Does anybody have any recent info on the stauts of the ABL programme?
The latest I know is that the YAL-1 prototype has been flown, though as yet without many of the systems installed), production representative equipment was being installed in the fuselage of a grounded ex-Air India B747 and funds have been allocated for acquisition of a second 747-400 to serve as the first production aircraft. Any info on whether systems integration is proceeding as planned and on whether the HEL laser modules are up to spec? When will a functioning system be installed on the YAL-1 prototype? The ABL webpage www.airbornelaser.com sadly provides little info. Regards, Ralph Savelsberg |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Ralph Savelsberg wrote in message ...
Does anybody have any recent info on the stauts of the ABL programme? The latest I know is that the YAL-1 prototype has been flown, though as yet without many of the systems installed), production representative equipment was being installed in the fuselage of a grounded ex-Air India B747 and funds have been allocated for acquisition of a second 747-400 to serve as the first production aircraft. Any info on whether systems integration is proceeding as planned and on whether the HEL laser modules are up to spec? When will a functioning system be installed on the YAL-1 prototype? The ABL webpage www.airbornelaser.com sadly provides little info. Regards, Ralph Savelsberg Some info from the AFA in their SEP 03 magazine: www.afa.org/magazine/Sept2003/0903abl.html It includes some info on changes to the testing schedule and where they are now. Brooks |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
"Ralph Savelsberg" wrote in message
... Does anybody have any recent info on the stauts of the ABL programme? The latest I know is that the YAL-1 prototype has been flown, though as yet without many of the systems installed), production representative equipment was being installed in the fuselage of a grounded ex-Air India B747 and funds have been allocated for acquisition of a second 747-400 to serve as the first production aircraft. Any info on whether systems integration is proceeding as planned and on whether the HEL laser modules are up to spec? When will a functioning system be installed on the YAL-1 prototype? The ABL webpage www.airbornelaser.com sadly provides little info. Yea, Ralph, the ABL program doesn't get a lot of press. I probably can't tell you much you don't know but I have seen pictures of the unpainted YAL-1 airborne, reportedly with none of the laser equipment installed. Seems I did see where the were dropping one module from the stack because they were performing above expectations. |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
John Keeney wrote: "Ralph Savelsberg" wrote in message ... Does anybody have any recent info on the stauts of the ABL programme? The latest I know is that the YAL-1 prototype has been flown, though as yet without many of the systems installed), production representative equipment was being installed in the fuselage of a grounded ex-Air India B747 and funds have been allocated for acquisition of a second 747-400 to serve as the first production aircraft. Any info on whether systems integration is proceeding as planned and on whether the HEL laser modules are up to spec? When will a functioning system be installed on the YAL-1 prototype? The ABL webpage www.airbornelaser.com sadly provides little info. Yea, Ralph, the ABL program doesn't get a lot of press. I probably can't tell you much you don't know but I have seen pictures of the unpainted YAL-1 airborne, reportedly with none of the laser equipment installed. The aerodynamic changes made to the airframe, especially the nose-mounted laser turret but also the exhausts for the reaction products and the dorsally mounted laser pod seem, obviously have to be tested. In the latest pictures I've seen the aircraft has been painted in the grey scheme displayed on most of the artist's impressions of the aircraft. Seems I did see where the were dropping one module from the stack because they were performing above expectations. It's a very impressive piece of engineering. Combat Aircraft International recently had an article about ABL, which spurred my questions here. In it, one of the programme managers/ engineers is quoted saying that fitting the laser modules is like stacking six Chevy Suburbans vertically inside the rear of the plane. Anyway, thanks for the info, Kevin. Regards, Ralph Savelsberg |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Kevin Brooks wrote: Ralph Savelsberg wrote in message ... Does anybody have any recent info on the stauts of the ABL programme? The latest I know is that the YAL-1 prototype has been flown, though as yet without many of the systems installed), production representative equipment was being installed in the fuselage of a grounded ex-Air India B747 and funds have been allocated for acquisition of a second 747-400 to serve as the first production aircraft. Any info on whether systems integration is proceeding as planned and on whether the HEL laser modules are up to spec? When will a functioning system be installed on the YAL-1 prototype? The ABL webpage www.airbornelaser.com sadly provides little info. Regards, Ralph Savelsberg Some info from the AFA in their SEP 03 magazine: www.afa.org/magazine/Sept2003/0903abl.html It includes some info on changes to the testing schedule and where they are now. Brooks Thanks for the information. It is much appreciated. Regards, Ralph Savelsberg |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Boeing $241.8 million contract ballistic missile-hunting Airborne Laser | Larry Dighera | Military Aviation | 1 | May 29th 04 12:05 PM |
Laser simulator provides weapons training | Otis Willie | Military Aviation | 0 | August 28th 03 09:58 PM |
Status of MIRACL laser system? | Thomas J. Paladino Jr. | Military Aviation | 1 | July 17th 03 10:40 PM |