Airborne Laser Laboratory (ALL) is to be Scrapped DEPS Explores Opportunities to Save ALL The Airborne Laser Laboratory (ALL) flew from Kirtland AFB in the early ‘90s to the Air Force Museum at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio. This historic aircraft was the first to demonstrate lethal irradiance on airborne targets (AIM-9B missiles and BQM-34 drone aircraft) from an aircraft in 1983. Our expectation was that the plane and the laser weapon system would be prepared for display, and displayed proudly as a historic landmark on the path to the future when lasers would be an integral part of our nation’s defense. This has not happened. The ALL sits outside at the AF museum. It has not been prepared for display, and continues to deteriorate. Now the AF Museum leadership has decided to turn the aircraft in for scrap. It appears that we have until the fall to find alternatives to save the ALL from destruction and the loss of a valuable historical artifact. The DEPS Board of Directors has formed an ad hoc committee to explore options to save the ALL and insure that it is displayed with honor for the future. It appears that several museums may be willing to take the aircraft and display it. We anticipate that to do this it will be necessary to raise private funds to prepare and move the aircraft to a new location, and to prepare the aircraft for display. As we develop options, and cost estimates, we will keep you informed. In the meantime, if you have any questions or suggestions, please forward them to ALL@deps.org. Reference links:
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