September 9, 2002

An F-16 fighter simulator at Kirtland AFB in New Mexico has been programmed to give the imaginary fighters two new weapons, laser beams optimized for air-to-air and air-to-ground targets. The capabilities of the weapons are based on projections for what industry is likely to deliver. The lasers are being used in simulated air combat by pilots of the New Mexico National Guard, who are trying to determine if lasers would be enough better than current weapons to be worth the bother of building, installing, and maintaining them.--Stephen V Cole