news/2009/07/defense_atl_test_072909
Air Force tests anti-ground C-130 laser
Posted : Thursday Jul 30, 2009 14:02:32 EDT
An Air Force C-130 hit a dummy ground target by firing a kilowatt-class chemical oxygen iodine laser at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., during a June 13 test of the service’s Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL), Boeing officials said.
“We fired the laser in-flight. We hit a target board on the ground,” said Gary Fitzmire, vice president of Boeing’s directed energy systems.
The test flight originated from nearby Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M.
The ATL — configured to deploy on a C-130 — is designed to destroy ground targets while moving with little or no collateral damage, Fitzmire said.
“We were able to conduct many ground tests to build confidence of the system and the laser itself. Last summer, we conducted an integrated ground test. Our targets are ground-based tactical targets such as a fuel tank, vehicle or communications node,” Fitzmire said.
The roughly $200 million ATL program began in late 2002. Several more flight tests are planned for this summer, Fitzmere said.
Contests and Promotions
Service Members Of The Year
Nominate Someone Today!
Know someone with whom you are proud to serve? Nominate them for a 2010 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award.
Win Military Times Outdoorsman Package
ENTER TO WIN...This rugged package is for the serious outdoorsman and includes a CamelBak Hydration System, CamelBak Impact II CT gloves and more. Click here for more info.
Marketplace
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






