SOFIC 2016: USAF wants laser gunships
US Air Force Special Operations Command is looking for industry assistance in integrating lasers on AC-130 series gunships.
Speaking at SOFIC in Tampa, Florida, Lt Gen Bradley Heithold, Cdr of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), said that they need industry help on the ‘new gun’ they are discussing for the AC-130J.
‘That “gun” has got to be a high energy laser,’ he said. ‘It doesn’t have to go on 37 [aircraft] but it will go on a handful of airframes.’
He asked for industry to show how best to integrate a high energy laser on the AC-130J by the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
