The first Airborne Laser (ABL) missile-defense system aircraft is making progress toward flight-worthiness testing at Boeing facilities in Wichita, Kan. The modified Boeing 747-400 Freighter aircraft has been transitioned to the flight ramp in preparation for flight testing later this summer. The Boeing Maintenance & Modification Center effort was the most comprehensive ever performed by Boeing. The company previously has modified two 747 aircraft for the presidential Air Force One fleet, as well as for other large-scale military systems.

The next major ABL program milestone is flight-worthiness testing in Wichita. The ABL aircraft is to undergo a complete systems functional check and flight tests to verify aerodynamic performance, and surveillance system checkout. Once those tests are completed, the aircraft will be delivered later this summer to Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., for laser and optics integration and tests.

Boeing is leading the team selected by the U.S. Air Force to develop and demonstrate the ABL. Team ABL includes Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, working closely with the Air Force and Missile Defense Agency.