The release from Boeing:
Fyi, attached is newly available video of the in-flight Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) aircraft precisely firing its laser at a stationary ground vehicle target during an Aug. 30 test at White Sands Missile Range, N.M. As you can see, the laser damaged the vehicle. (Video is not yet available of the laser “defeating” the vehicle during the same test, as described in a recent news release: http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=817. “Defeating” means the vehicle was made temporarily or permanently unavailable for its intended use.) ATL Background The Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) program, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force, has equipped a C-130H aircraft with a high-energy chemical laser for engagements against ground targets. The system is designed to destroy, damage or disable targets with little to no collateral damage. ATL demonstrations support development of systems that will conduct missions on the battlefield and in urban operations.
You know, hopefully Barack Obama will cancel this unproven system before anyone gets the chance to prove that you can melt a terrorist’s face off from 30,000 feet without killing any innocent bystanders.
