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The YAL-1 ( horribly nonstandard designation ) was addressing a different and much harder problem; destroying ballistic missiles in the ascent phase at consider
by dingaling 7y ago
The YAL-1 ( horribly nonstandard designation ) was addressing a different and much harder problem; destroying ballistic missiles in the ascent phase at considerable range.
However destroying magnitude-smaller, nearby air-to-air missiles is much more achievable and was demonstrated by the NKC-135 / Airborne Laser Lab project back in 1979-85. Yes, 40 years ago.