AIRBORNE LASER PROGRAM.

SEC. 217. AIRBORNE LASER PROGRAM. (a) Assessment of Technical and Operational Aspects.— The Secretary of Defense shall conduct an assessment of the technical and operational aspects of the Airborne Laser Program. In conducting the assessment, the Secretary shall establish an independent team of persons from outside the Department of Defense who are experts in relevant fields to review the technical 112 STAT. 1951and operational aspects of the Airborne Laser Program. The team shall assess the following: (1) Whether additional ground testing or other forms of data collection should be completed before initial modification of a commercial aircraft to an Airborne Laser configuration. (2) The adequacy of exit criteria for the program definition and risk reduction phase of the Airborne Laser Program. (3) The adequacy of current Airborne Laser operational concepts. (b) Report on Assessment— Not later than March 15, 1999, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on the assessment. The report shall include the Secretary’s findings and any recommendations that the Secretary considers appropriate. (c) Funding for Program.— Of the amount authorized to be appropriated under section 201(3), $235,219,000 shall be available for the Airborne Laser Program. (d) Limitation.— Of the amount made available pursuant to subsection (c), not more than $185,000,000 may be obligated until 30 days after the Secretary submits the report required by subsection (b).