Money well spent, I'm sure

[AG78]

http://www.space.com/businesstechnology/airborne_laser_techwed_041117.html

"The Missile Defense Agency and U.S. Air Force is working in tandem with Boeing, Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin to develop the flying laser system. Boeing is providing the aircraft, battle management and system integration, while Northrup Grumman has developed the laser and Lockheed Martin the weapon's flight turret."

[Lone Pawn]

1. I don't mind military technological development

A surprising number of civilian technologies have come from military development. Most notably the post-WW2 technological boom: everyone was figuring out new civilian applications to all the chemical and engineering advancements made in the 40s.

Also, with China engaging in military research at breakneck speeds, I don't mind working this system. If we sell it to Japan and ROC-Taiwan (Japan for security from DPRK, and ROC-Taiwan from PRC), we could cover quite a bit of the cost. Missile defense actually can be worthwhile.

Of course, the missile defense system Bush has proposed and wishes to construct is idiotic. Deploying it now is even more so. Do like this: develop it and make it so it could be deployed within, say, a week, while not actually being deployed and threatening China/Russia.

[alittlelark]

2. My dad is the Laser Optics czar of that beastie

He's been doing 'Star Wars' since the 70's, doing the NM triangle (AF-3PhD's). He retired a few months after 9-11, but still gets flown to Tacoma for consultations. Northrup-Gruman oversight.

I guess the $$$ was well spent on his salary....?