Airborne and Space-Based Lasers: An Analysis of Technological and Operational Compatibility

The Air Force is simultaneously pursuing both the Airborne and Space Based Laser programs. Under the impression that these two systems are synergistic and even that the ABL represents a logical stepping stone to the SBL, the Air Force has begun the process of advocating both programs, defending their funds, developing the required technology, fielding the weapons, and drafting the doctrine that will make them useful to the operational commands. The purpose of this study is to assess the actual compatibility between the ABL and SBL by carefully examining both the technologies and operational strategies. Only by studying the similarities and differences between these technologies and the technical risks and challenges can the defense establishment gain a more detailed understanding of the compatibility of the ABL and SBL technologies. Only by examining the operational preferences revealed in each system's technical descriptions and concepts of operation will it be possible to understand the compatibility of the operational strategies for the employment of the A.BL and SBL. Once the facts about the actual compatibility between the ABL and SBL are known, the Air Force leadership will be better prepared to make the right decisions about the role of laser weapons in ballistic missile defense. This study hopes to stimulate further debate about how these technologies will influence the security of the United States in the twenty-first century. There is no debate with the propositions that the ABL and SBL are both laser weapons that are capable of performing the same mission of theater ballistic missile defense. But despite the fact that these weapons are based on similar configurations inside their respective aerospace vehicles, it is essential to understand that the ABL and SBL systems are not sufficiently compatible to justify the claim that the programs are synergistic. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.