July 28, 1980

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Technical Survey

Technology Eyed to Defend ICBMs, Spacecraft

Washington—Directed-energy weapons — high-energy lasers and particle beams— are at the center of increased attention by the White House, Defense Dept, and Congress for application in ballistic missile defense or in defending vulnerable U. S. spacecraft from attack by the Soviet Union.

Technical Survey

Pentagon Studying Laser Battle Stations in Space

Washington —High energy laser weapons technology has advanced to the point where chemical laser devices based in space could destroy ballistic missiles during launch, according to a new Defense Dept, assessment. The move toward a space-based laser weapons capability is causing the U. S. to reorient its laser weapons development programs, and the Pentagon is starting to address the kinds of systems required to operate laser battle stations in space.

Technical Survey

U. S. Effort Redirected To High Energy Lasers

Washington—Defense Secretary Harold Brown is redirecting U. S. laser weapons development priorities with emphasis placed on the technology for high energy chemical lasers for space defense missions. Brown has written a letter to the secretaries of the Army, Navy and Air Force ordering that high energy laser weapons technology be reevaluated.

Management

Vought Sees Missiles as Area of Growth

Dallas—Vought Corp. is accelerating its efforts toward becoming a major prime contractor in the rapidly expanding missiles market as the keystone in its corporate strategy for survival and growth in the coming decade. Robert L. Kirk, president and chief executive officer, told AVIATION WEEK & SPACE TECHNOLOGY that his goal is for Vought to become a $1-billion company in annual sales by 1985, about double its present volume. He sees missiles, particularly tactical, as having the fastest growth potential toward achieving that goal.

By Erwin J. Bulban

Air Transport

Boeing Emphasizing Innovation in 767 Assembly

Everett, Wash.—Major assembly of the Boeing 767 transport has begun, and the first tool to be loaded symbolizes the innovative technique developed to meet the extraordinary demands imposed by the company’s first all-new jet transport in more than a decade.

By Richard G. O’Lone

Technical Survey

Defense Dept. Experts Confirm Efficacy of Space-Based Lasers

Washington—Defense Dept, high-energy laser weapons experts in recent weeks have substantiated earlier claims by industry laser technology officials that laser battle stations operating in space orbits could blunt a Soviet ballistic missile attack against the U. S.

July 211980

August 41980

July 28, 1980

July 28, 1980

Technology Eyed to Defend ICBMs, Spacecraft

Pentagon Studying Laser Battle Stations in Space

Rapid Deployment Tested in Red Flag Exercises

By Robert R. Ropelewski

Technology Eyed to Defend ICBMs, Spacecraft

Pentagon Studying Laser Battle Stations in Space

Rapid Deployment Tested in Red Flag Exercises

By Robert R. Ropelewski

Soviets Build Directed-Energy Weapon