Congresswoman Heather Wilson, First Congressional District of New Mexico
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Kirtland AFB Hosts Successful Test of New Laser System |
May 19, 2008 |
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Ground tests achieve key milestone for Advanced Tactical Laser program
Washington, D.C. – Today Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R-NM) received word from Boeing that they had conducted the first successful ground tests of a high-energy chemical laser aboard a C-130H aircraft. The laser firing occurred May 13 at Kirtland Air Force Base.
“The success of the first laser tests in the Advanced Tactical Laser program is the first step in putting this new technology to use for our military,” Wilson said. “It’s another example of how the bases and labs are keeping New Mexico on the cutting edge of national security and technology. Boeing’s presence and continued operations at Kirtland advances technology for our military, and keeps New Mexico’s economy strong.”
The Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL) program, which Boeing is developing for the U.S. Department of Defense, will destroy, damage or disable targets with little to no collateral damage, supporting missions on the battlefield and in urban operations.
“First firing of the high-energy laser aboard the ATL aircraft shows that the program continues to make good progress toward giving the warfighter an ultra-precision engagement capability that will dramatically reduce collateral damage,” said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems.
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