Word: launchpad
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Dates: during 2010-2019
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Gates wasn't impressed by the scheme. "After more than a decade of research and development, we have yet to achieve a laser with enough power to knock down a missile ... more than 50 miles from the launchpad - thus requiring these huge planes to loiter deep in enemy airspace to have a feasible shot at a direct hit," he noted after he axed the program. "Moreover, the 10 to 20 aircraft needed would cost about $1.5 billion each, plus tens of millions of dollars annually - each - for maintenance and operations," he added. "The program and operating concept were fatally flawed...