AFSOC shines a light on laser for Ghostrider and amphibious MC-130J

21st May 2021 - 14:45 GMT | by Scott Gourley in California

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Air Force Special Operations Command graphic depicting its vision for the MC-130J Amphibious Capability. (Image: AFSOC)

Transformative initiatives for US Air Force Special Operations Command include installing a 60kW attack laser on an AC-130J gunship and developing an amphibious MC-130J tanker.

Attendees at the virtual SOFIC event this week (17-21 May) heard how Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) is involved in various R&D programmes to enhance its future capabilities.

In his platform update, Colonel Ken Kuebler, USSOCOM Program Executive Officer for Fixed Wing, described his primary systems portfolio as four divisions: Airborne Intelligence Surveillance & Reconnaissance and Non-Standard Aviation Systems Division; Mobility; Strike; and Silent Knight Radar/Futures.

Underlying all of the divisions is a Technology Insertion Team.

One representative technology being explored within the Strike division involves placing a 60kW offensive laser on an AC-130J Ghostrider.

‘That programme represents

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Scott Gourley

Scott Gourley is a former US Army officer and the author of several thousand articles …

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