Following what it termed a successful demonstration of the Airborne Laser's ability to detect and track a ballistic missile during its boost phase of flight, the Missile Defense Agency is considering adding ABL to future missile defense tests. On Dec. 11, MDA failed in its attempt to destroy a long-range ballistic missile target over the Pacific Ocean when the interceptor vehicle did not separate from its booster rocket. However, MDA said the ABL -- a Boeing 747 modified to carry...
