The last A-6 Intruder unit has been decommissioned and its aircraft have been flown to Arizona for storage. Until the arrival of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) in whatever form it takes, the Intruder's all weather attack role will have to be filled by the F/A-18, especially the new two-seat F/A-18F, and to some extent, the F-14.

The F-14s of VF-103 have deployed with a LANTIRN targeting pod on the starboard glove HP. This allows them to carry 1000-lb and 2000lb Paveway III laser-guided bombs on four fusaelage hardpoints.

The illustration shows the first official American use of a laser as a weapon. The YAL-1 or AL-1 aircraft will carry a checmical laser with an effective range of 250 miles or more., probably from high altitude. It can be used offensively against enemy aircraft or defensively against ballistic and cruise missiles.

Presumably, it would link with E-3 and JSTARS aircraft, which would detect targets and cue the Y-1's own limited sensors on where to look and shoot.

The first full test is set for 2002.

BT