Where can I find out about the Airbourne Laser project?

[JonnyBoy12]

Many of you will have heard about the ABL project, which uses a Boeing 747 freighter YAL-1A to fire a one megawatt laser at incoming missiles, and sometimes unruly ABers. I would like to know more about this, but not sure where to find out.

How much does this aircraft weigh; I understand it is the heaviest ever built?

How much does it cost, and how many are there?

Can it refuel in mid-air, and how long can it stay aloft?

When is it ready to enter service?

What is the minimum crew requirement?

How many times can it fire its laser?

Can I have a go in it?

Thanks in advance for any answers.

[NazNomad]

I can answer the last bit ... lol

[NazNomad]

... and there's plenty here ... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boeing_YAL-1