Boeing YAL-1

The airborne laser aircraft built to test missile defense concepts.

Overview

Boeing United States ICAO: YAL1 2002–2002 $700 million

The Boeing YAL-1 was a modified 747 developed to test airborne laser missile defense technology. Designed as a proof-of-concept platform, it carried a high-energy chemical laser. The aircraft demonstrated directed energy capabilities before program cancellation.

Live Fleet Activity (YAL1)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Pratt And Whitney PW 4062
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 63,300 lbf · 282 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
6 economy · 2 business
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
231 ft 8 in  ·  70.60 m
Tail height
63 ft 8 in  ·  19.40 m
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
212 ft 11 in  ·  64.90 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
875,000 lb  ·  397,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
248,500 lb  ·  112,500 kg
Fuel capacity
57,300 gal · 216,800 L · 173,500 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
486 kt  ·  559 mph  ·  900 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
4,445 nm  ·  5,120 mi  ·  8,230 km
Fuel burn
0.08 nm/gal  ·  0.04 km/L
Ceiling
45,100 ft  ·  13,700 m
Rate of climb
—
Takeoff distance
9,900 ft  ·  3,020 m
Landing distance
7,550 ft  ·  2,300 m
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YAL-1A Airborne Laser

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Operational Context

Boeing YAL-1 — airborne laser test platform

The YAL-1 was developed in the early 2000s using a Boeing 747-400F airframe. The aircraft carried a large laser system mounted in the nose and chemical laser equipment within the fuselage. Its mission was to intercept ballistic missiles during their boost phase.

Powered by four high-bypass turbofan engines producing approximately 63,000 pounds of thrust (280 kN) each, the YAL-1 retained standard 747 cruise performance near 490 knots (905 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight was similar to other 747-400 variants. The aircraft’s specialized equipment significantly altered internal layout.

The YAL-1 successfully conducted test engagements but faced technical and budget challenges. The program was terminated in 2011. The aircraft remains an example of experimental airborne directed energy research.