An artist's conception depicting an older AC-130U gunship armed with a laser weapon system. USAF
Warzone/The Drive: The AC-130J Gunship's First Solid State Laser Weapon Has Arrived For Testing
The laser system could offer the already super versatile AC-130J a new way to covertly destroy and disable critical targets. The U.S. Air Force has taken delivery of the first prototype Airborne High Energy Laser, or AHEL, which is set to be flight tested on one of its AC-130J Ghostrider gunships next year.
The service hopes to demonstrate the feasibility of adding this directed-energy weapon to the AC-130J's already very diverse arsenal, which could give these aircraft a unique capability to engage ground targets silently and stealthily.
Lockheed Martin confirmed yesterday that it had completed factory acceptance testing for the AHEL and then turned the weapon over to the Air Force. The laser will now need to be integrated together with a beam control system, after which ground testing will take place ahead of the installation of the complete weapon system onto an AC-130J.
Read more ....
WNU Editor: Here is Lockheed's official announcement .... Lockheed Martin Delivers High Energy Laser to U.S. Air Force for Flight Testing on AC-130J Aircraft (Lockheed Martin).
More News On The U.S. Air Force Testing Lasers On Its The AC-130J Gunship's
The Air Force is about to slap a frickin’ laser beam on its deadliest gunship -- Task & Purpose
US Air Force to Test High Energy Laser on AC-130J Aircraft -- Interesting Engineering
U.S. Air Force Arms Ghostrider Gunship With Laser Weapon For Covert Strikes -- Forbes
"Ready For Fielding" - US AC-130 Gunship Receives Laser Cannon -- Zero Hedge
Laser weapons are coming, like it or not -- Asia Times
2 comments:
60 kilowatts? Seems pathetic.
The 60-kilowatt laser weapon doesn't have enough energy to punch a hole through a main battle tank or blow an enemy soldier to pieces, but rather it can melt ground-based satellite antennas and optical sensors.
Post a Comment