The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) confirms the first shoot-down test by the Boeing YAL-1 Airborne Laser (ABL) has been delayed by a year to 2004. MDA director Lt Gen Ronald Kadish has briefed Congress that a demonstration of the modified Boeing 747-400 freighter against a target representative of a boosting ballistic missile will now be conducted in fiscal year 2004. Funding is being sought in FY03 to modify a second 747-400F.
Source: Flight International