Theater Missile Defense: Significant Technical Challenges Face the Airborne Laser Program
NSIAD-98-37
Published: Oct 23, 1997. Publicly Released: Oct 23, 1997.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the status of the Airborne Laser (ABL) program, focusing on: (1) the way in which the ABL is expected to change theater missile defense; (2) assurances that the ABL will be able to operate effectively in the levels of optical turbulence that may be encountered in the geographical areas in which the system might be used; and (3) the technical challenges in developing an ABL system that will be compatible with the unique environment of an aircraft.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to demonstrate as quickly as possible, but no later than the time when DOD decides whether to grant the ABL program the authority to proceed (currently scheduled for June 1998), the existence of a correlation between the optical and non-optical data. If a correlation between optical and non-optical turbulence cannot be established, the Air Force should be required to gather additional optical data to accurately predict the turbulence levels the ABL may encounter, before being given the authority to proceed with the program as planned. |
The Air Force has stated that it has demonstrated that there is a correlation between optical and non-optical turbulence data. Other involved DOD activities have agreed that such a correlation exists. The correlation was established before the program went through the June 1998 authority to proceed milestone.
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| Department of Defense | The Secretary of Defense should direct the Secretary of the Air Force to validate the appropriateness of the design specification for turbulence based on reliable data that are either derived from a correlation between optical and non-optical data or obtained through the collection of additional optical data. |
DOD has indicated that it is satisfied that the Air Force has established a correlation between optical and non-optical turbulence data and has completed gathering a sizable amount of additional non-optical turbulence data. The Air Force used this data to validate the appropriateness of the design specifications for atmospheric turbulence.
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Air defense systemsBallistic missilesMilitary aircraftSpecificationsWeapons research and developmentWeapons systemsDesign specificationsAircraft acquisition programU.S. Air ForceMilitary forces