NEW YORK, N.Y., November 17, 1998 Airborne Laser Earns National Award Col. Charles W. Pinney, deputy program manager for the Airborne Laser program office at Kirtland Air Force Base, N.M., examines a Popular Science magazine's annual "Best of What's New" award. The Airborne Laser was one of the awardees at ceremonies in New York's Central Park on Friday (Nov. 13). The 21st century advanced laser system to defend against theater ballistic missiles was one of 100 products and technologies selected by the magazine from among thousands of items. The award was presented to the program office and three key contractors: Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin.