While the Air Force shepherded ABL development, there was talk about potential air-to-air use, but, since moving to MDA, the program has concentrated on missiles, said Daniels. But, he added, “I don’t think that will go away—an airplane is a soft target.” He believes there will be many more uses for directed energy weapons in years ahead. “I’m convinced that directed energy is going to be a way of life for the future for fighting wars,” said Daniels. It may take 10 or 20 years, but “you’re going to see a lot of directed energy weapons.” (Read more at right in “From Science Fiction to Reality.”)
The last remaining T-1 Jayhawk at JBSA-Randolph, Texas, took its final flight to the "Boneyard" at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., on July 15. The 99th Flying Training Squadron will train pilots using T-6 and simulator until it gets T-7 Red Hawk in fiscal 2026.