Laser shoots down large-caliber rocket
Friday, May 7, 2004 Posted: 4:13 PM EDT (2013 GMT)
WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, New Mexico (AP) -- A high-intensity laser designed to shield Israel from missile attacks downed its largest rocket to date during a test over the New Mexico desert.
The ground-based Tactical High Energy Laser destroyed the 11-foot rocket in flight Tuesday over White Sands Missile Range.
The laser has shot down smaller rockets and artillery shells in the past, said Pam Rogers, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Army, which is helping develop the laser.
The system, which is now stationary but would eventually be mobile, uses radar to track incoming rockets, then fires a chemical-powered laser to destroy them.
The $56 million project, being developed by Northrop-Grumman Corp., has been undergoing tests at White Sands since 2000.
A mobile prototype may be complete by 2007 or 2008 if the company gets a contract this summer, spokesman Bob Bishop said.
--------
Posted by shrox
Friday, May 7, 2004 Posted: 4:13 PM EDT (2013 GMT)
WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE, New Mexico (AP) -- A high-intensity laser designed to shield Israel from missile attacks downed its largest rocket to date during a test over the New Mexico desert.
The ground-based Tactical High Energy Laser destroyed the 11-foot rocket in flight Tuesday over White Sands Missile Range.
The laser has shot down smaller rockets and artillery shells in the past, said Pam Rogers, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Army, which is helping develop the laser.
The system, which is now stationary but would eventually be mobile, uses radar to track incoming rockets, then fires a chemical-powered laser to destroy them.
The $56 million project, being developed by Northrop-Grumman Corp., has been undergoing tests at White Sands since 2000.
A mobile prototype may be complete by 2007 or 2008 if the company gets a contract this summer, spokesman Bob Bishop said.
--------
Posted by shrox