Sunday, April 26, 2009

Boeing's Airborne Laser begins flight tests, future uncertain

Boeing's Airborne Laser begins flight tests, future uncertain: "



Boeing was pretty bullish about its aircraft-mounted laser system only a few short months ago, but it looks the program's future is now considerably more uncertain, even as the sole aircraft to be equipped with the rig begins its first flight tests. Apparently, everything with the tests themselves has been going according to plan, with both the high-energy laser itself and the 'beam control / fire control apparatus' along for the ride, and Boeing is even reportedly still on track for a missile-intercept demonstration later this year. The recent funding shakeup at the Pentagon, however, has thrown Boeing and its partners in the project for a bit of a loop, with the department now apparently intending to keep only one of the planes in service (instead of the proposed seven) as it transitions the rest of the program towards a purely R&D effort.

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Boeing's Airborne Laser begins flight tests, future uncertain originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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(Via Engadget.)

China denies hacking into F-35 data

China denies hacking into F-35 data: "BEIJING — China denied media reports that hackers in the country breached a U.S. jet fighter program two years ago, calling the allegations ‘irresponsible’ and ‘made up.’"



(Via Air Force Times - News.)

Fighter role of ‘Tacos’ nears end

Fighter role of ‘Tacos’ nears end: "KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. — A 61-year-old Air National Guard unit that had hoped to replace its aging jets with F-22 Raptors will fly its last mission in 14 months, New Mexico National Guard Maj. Gen. Kenny Montoya said."



(Via Air Force Times - News.)

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