Airborne laser

by Robert W. Duffner

Airborne Laser: Bullets of Light traces the development of the airborne laser from its scientific beginning to its development as a viable shield against missile attacks. For the first time, a professional historian has had access to formerly classified information, and has interwoven a rich documentary/history of scientists and engineers dealing with seemingly intractable technical problems. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the workings of a military laboratory involved with solving the problems of laser technology. The people responsible for this work come to life, and their long journey toward the implementation of their research is a real success story - one that has never been told. On another level, the book is a case study for those who are tempted to dismiss a demonstration system as a mere engineering problem. The results of the program have proven far-reaching, and contain lessons for the current generation of star warriors.