The AC-130J Ground Forces flying support battery will be equipped with a laser cannon. The American aircraft will receive the Airborne High Energy Laser (AHEL). Air Force (Air Force) The USA received a prototype of the installation. This is reported by The Drive.
On October 8, Lockheed Martin announced the transfer of the AHEL laser to the US Air Force after factory tests. Now the designers are engaged in the integration of the laser beam control system. After that, AHEL ground tests and installation of the system on board the AC-130J will begin.
The start date of flight tests is still unknown. Representatives of the Special Operations Command of the US Armed Forces (US SOCOM) noted that they expect to begin this stage of development in the 2022 fiscal year.
The developer does not disclose the parameters of the laser installation. US SOCOM said that AHEL's capacity will not exceed 60 kilowatts. Lockheed Martin representatives also noted that the power of the new laser will be comparable to the power of the High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance (HELIOS) installations.
In April, Popular Mechanics magazine reported on the installation of laser weapons on an Arleigh Burke-type destroyer. The Preble ship received a HELIOS installation, which is designed to destroy cruise missiles.
Daniil Irinin
