The prototype airborne laser aircraft, later christened the YAL-1, featured the weapon in the nose of a Boeing 747. The laser was intended to shoot down missiles shortly after launch.

The prototype airborne laser aircraft, later christened the YAL-1, featured the weapon in the nose of a Boeing 747. The laser was intended to shoot down missiles shortly after launch.

This aircraft-mounted laser is designed to blind satellites in Earth orbit. It is a similar concept to the more well known Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser missile defense project.

The Federal Aviation Administration has reported an increase in laser strikes – laser pointers aimed at aircraft – in recent years, and 278 pilots have reported laser strike injuries since 2010.

Ukraine has developed a laser weapon capable of shooting down targets from more than a mile away, the country’s drone force commander has claimed . Speaking at a defense summit in Kyiv this week ...

The first report, around 7:15 p.m., said a laser that seemed to originate from the shore of Yomitan village was aimed at an aircraft flying around the base, the spokesman said.