Currently, the Airborne Laser, designated YAL-1A, is in Wichita, Kan., being outfitted to handle the chemical laser housings and having its optics system fine-tuned. Daniels said that plans for 2006 include low power active ground tests in August, in-flight atmospheric compensation testing with the track illuminated laser in November, and completion of its laser optics testing by Dec. 31. The aircraft will leave Kansas in 2007 for Edwards, where the airframe will be integrated with the chemical laser—making it, for the first time a “full-up weapon system,” said Daniels. After the program, Daniels noted that MDA has the backing and funding it needs to carry out a lethal demonstration in 2008 against a threat-representative ballistic missile—despite “significant budget pressures.”
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.