YAL-1 Airborne Laser

Definition/Scope: The Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser (ABL) weapons system is a megawatt-class chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL) mounted inside a modified Boeing 747-400F. It is primarily designed as a missile defense system to destroy tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs), similar to the Scud, while in boost phase. The low-power lasers have been test-fired in flight, aimed at an airborne target board. The aircraft was designated YAL-1A in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Defense. The Airborne Laser Laboratory, a less-powerful prototype installed in a Boeing NKC-135A, shot down several missiles in the 1980s.

Acronym:

ABL

Broader Terms:

airborne laser
Missile Defense Agency
US Air Force

Narrower Terms:

Chemical oxygen iodine laser
laser beam
missile defense

Related Terms:

Defensive operation