#yal-1

[usafphantom2]

Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Lazer Lab

@ kadonkey via X

[nelc]

YAL-1 laser mirror turret, at the Air Force Museum

[nocternalrandomness]

Boeing YAL-1A Airborne Laser Testbed

The Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser Testbed weapons system was a megawatt-class chemical oxygen iodine laser mounted inside a modified military Boeing 747-400F. It was primarily designed as a missile defense system to destroy tactical ballistic missiles while in boost phase. While initial testing was successful,  funding for the program was cut in 2010 and the program was canceled in December 2011. The aircraft made its final flight on February 14, 2012, to Davis-Monthan AFB< Tucson, Az where it was placed into storage at the 309th AMARG (plane boneyard). It was ultimately scrapped in September 2014 after all usable parts were removed.

[usafphantom2]

BIG CROW and the YAL-1 AL. On March 15, 2007, the YAL-1 successfully fired its laser in flight hitting BIG CROW. (EHO)

@kadonkey via X

[worldofaviation]

YAL-1A Airborne Laser in flight with the mirror unstowed.

[fcba]

February 14, 2012- The US Air Force’s YAL-1 Airborne Laser Test Bed flies over Edwards AFB, California, one last time before being put into storage at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. (USAF/Bobbi Zapka)

[fcba]

The YAL-1 Airborne Laser Test Bed takes off for its final flight at Edwards AFB, California, on February 14, 2012. (USAF/Rob Densmore)

[photos-mdx]

Boeing YAL-1