Boeing expects to resume testing of its Airborne Laser (ABL) this summer, starting with ground tests.

Flight tests using the beam control and high-energy chemical laser will follow. The chemical laser modules are now being integrated onto the 747-400 ABL airframe at Edwards AFB, Calif., following a series of beam-control flight tests using a low-energy surrogate laser last year.

Boeing ABL Vice President Mike Rinn says the company hopes to avoid a time gap betwen the critical shootdown of a boosting ballistic missile target next year and design work on the second ABL aircraft. Boeing is still eyeing the 747-8 with its redesigned wing and longer range for the second ABL.

The fiscal 2009 budget includes about $16 million to begin studies for designing the aircraft. But Boeing hopes more money will come to begin detailed design work following the ballistic missile shootdown next year.

Photo: Northrop Grumman