spoiler: This concept involves beaming energy in the form of laser filaments, electric arcs, or microwave radiation along the leading edges or just in front of

spoiler: This concept involves beaming energy in the form of laser filaments, electric arcs, or microwave radiation along the leading edges or just in front of an aircraft in order to condition the air to be more conducive to high-speed flight. Note: Yet another unnecesary long article that embeds the answer half way.