Military Aircraft
Overview
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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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.
Sources and references used for research and fact-checking.