The United States Air Force (USAF) has taken delivery of the first prototype of an airborne high-energy laser cannon (AHEL). With this, the USAF intends to conduct the first tests starting next year, expanding the diversified arsenal of the AC-130J by enabling attacks on targets in a discreet and silent way.
According to Lockheed Martin, the laser prototype has completed factory acceptance testing, with the next stage of testing to be performed on the ground and in flight. The first tests will be carried out on a fast schedule, where the 60 kW laser system will be fired at targets on the ground.
With plans to fully deploy the “Tactical Airborne Laser Weapons System” by 2025, the USAF will expand the arsenal available to the AC-130J. The aircraft currently has 30mm and 105mm cannons, guided munitions, precision bombs and Hellfire missiles at its disposal.
In addition to the development of the futuristic new weapon, Lockheed Martin has also been awarded a $12 million contract by the USAF to provide technical services, integration, testing and demonstration of our laser system for the next 5 years.
