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A laser designed to destroy missiles as they are boosted on their journey
produced its first test beam on 15 August. Testing took place in San Juan
Capistrano, California, at a site belonging to its manufacturer, TRW. The laser
weapon, designed for airborne patrols near the borders of hostile countries,
will be made up of six of the modules tested last month. It will be installed in
a modified Boeing 747 next year, and the Ballistic Missile Defense Organization
has scheduled flight tests against a dummy missile for 2003.