The YAL-1A is a converted Boeing 747 created by the Missile Defense Agency and outfitted with a chemical oxygen iodine laser. WSJ's Nathan Hodge reports. The futuristic weapon, conceived to shoot ...

It’s last ferry flight took the YAL-1A serialled 00-0001/ED from Edwards AFB, California, to Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona, where the aircraft will be disposed and its associated systems will be ...

YAL-1A Airborne Laser (ABL) has completed preliminary flight testing and is being prepared to accept the high-power laser, beam control and other hardware it needs to shoot down a boosting ...

As flight testing of the YAL-1A Airborne Laser system resumes, pilots and engineers expect to see significant improvements in airflow around a new nose turret (AW&ST Nov. 22, p. 29). The ball-like ...

Designated YAL-1A, the modified Boeing 747-400 airframe is equipped with sensors, lasers and sophisticated optics to find, track and destroy ballistic missiles in their boost, or ascent, phase.

Chemical laser development culminated with the giant experimental YAL-1A Airborne Laser System mounted on a Boeing 747 intended to shoot down missiles. While this technology could ...

In 2004, a B-747-400, heavily modified to be used as the test platform, known as the YAL-1A, was built. A Chemical Oxide Laser is housed in the aircraft and is going through testing to destroy ...

The Boeing-led Airborne Laser (ABL) team is using more than a third of its $98 million extra funding to combat a host of technical issues to keep the YAL-1A prototype on course for a live-fire ...