FedEx Tests Anti-Missile System

A FedEx MD-10 cargo jet took off last Tuesday on a commercial flight from Los Angeles International Airport equipped with Northrop Grumman's Guardian anti-missile system Tuesday. The flight kicked off operational testing and evaluation of the technology designed to derail attempts to use shoulder-fired missiles to down aircraft. The system, called Guardian, detects a missile and directs a laser to disrupt guidance signals on the missile. "For the first time, we will be able to collect valuable logistics data while operating Guardian on aircraft in routine commercial service," said Robert L. DelBoca, vice president and general manager of Northrop Grumman's Defensive Systems Division.