Working Toward a Laser Gunship

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org

The Advanced Tactical Laser concept program has progressed, with the addition of a high-energy chemical laser to the C-130H demonstration aircraft, according to a Boeing release. The company, which received the C-130 two years ago to begin modifications and low-power flight tests, last week added the HEL and its 12,000-pound subsystem, aligning it with the beam control system, at Kirtland AFB, N.M. Boeing VP Scott Fancher called it “tremendous progress,” adding that the test team will fire the laser at ground targets next year.

Audio of this article is brought to you by the Air & Space Forces Association, honoring and supporting our Airmen, Guardians, and their families. Find out more at afa.org