The Aero-adaptive Aero-optic Beam Control turret that Lockheed Martin is developing for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Air Force Research Laboratory has completed initial flight testing. The prototype turret was tested on the University of Notre Dame’s Airborne Aero Optical Laboratory Transonic Aircraft in Michigan. Credit: Air Force Research Laboratory
DARPA Testing Planes With A 'Star Wars'-Style Laser Cannon -- CNet
We don't have X-wing fighters just yet, but we may soon have their laser weapons. DARPA is working on a system that's downright Lucasian.
Prepare yourself for a future filled with real-life pew pew! The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is working with Lockheed Martin to test "a new beam control turret... to give 360-degree coverage for high-energy laser weapons operating on military aircraft."
In other words, it stuck a primitive (by rebel standards) "Star Wars"-style laser cannon on a fighter jet and flew it over Michigan eight times.
"These initial flight tests validate the performance of our ABC turret design," Lockheed's Doug Graham said. in a release.
Read more ....
More News On DARPA Testing Planes That Will Have Laser Weapons
Lockheed Martin successfully tests new air-based laser turret -- Guns.com
Lockheed tests turret for airborne laser weapon -- Optics.org
DARPA Tests Out Planes Mounted With Laser Turret -- Ubergizmo
DARPA And Lockheed Are FINALLY Testing Laser Turrets On Planes -- Daily caller
Lockheed Martin conducts flight tests of aircraft laser turret for DARPA -- Phys.org
Update: The U.S. Navy's program appears to be more advanced .... US Laser Weapons Inch Closer To Deployment -- Defense World
2 comments:
I think the navy is behind, the reason why navy is about to deploy their version because the navy ship can produce the huge amounts of energy needed to power them, the fact that they working on a version that work on a plane means they where able to shrink the tech and its energy consumption
Good point Benjamin. I did not think along those lines.
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