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Monday, May 18, 2020

U.S. Special Forces Test Laser Gunship For Covert Strikes

The prospect of laser fire from above moved closer with an announcement from the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) that they will test fire a high-energy laser weapon from an AC-130J aircraft in 2022. The plan was disclosed at the at the Virtual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference this week.

The AC-130J Ghostrider is a fearsome flying arsenal. Like its Vietnam-era gunship predecessors, it carries a radar-guided 105mm howitzer and 30mm rapid fire cannon. The modern version also has precision strike capability, dropping 250-pound GPS-guided GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs and 34-pound laser-guided AGM-176 Griffin missiles.

The gunship laser is an offensive weapon intended to take out targets on the ground. The question is: what targets?

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18 comments:

Anonymous said...

These are the exact same airplanes that routinely fly at the Salisbury airport. Does anyone really know the true reason why so many military airplanes are flying at our local airport?

Anonymous said...

There's where ALL your tax dollars are going. WTF do we need a laser weapon for??

Anonymous said...

I know some Dems that this would be good on

Anonymous said...

Then on to the drone delivery platform that can light your cigar from 30,000 feet with an operator 12,000 miles away.

Anonymous said...

Test it over Iran !!! LOL

Anonymous said...


This is one badazz airplane.

Anonymous said...

The area has ALWAYS had military flying in the area. You live in an area that is close to several key military instillations by air. Nothing but military training and exercises

Anonymous said...

Make a Run over Congress !!! LOL LOL

Anonymous said...

I sure hope it a lot higher powered then the article states. If not, it's a waist of $$$.

Anonymous said...

12:51 PM - The real, true reason for so many touch and go landings (they rarely fully land**) is its size and proximity to DAFB, where squadrons of active and reserve pilots train and have to carry out X number of tasks monthly to stay familiar and keep flight ratings. The airport itself contracts with DoD for the use of the runways to the tune of over $500,000 annually.
That money is one of the things that keeps this sleepy little airport alive.

** - They should stop more often for the excellent deli food.😋

Anonymous said...

AC/DC 130 !!!!

Anonymous said...

@12:52 Precision strikes and cheaper in the long run over bombs and more eco friendly

Anonymous said...

Fly it over the Border Wall for Patrol !!! Better than a Fence !!!

Anonymous said...


This can be used to take out bad guys pretty quietly.. much less kerfuffle than that produced by a Hellfire missile.

Anonymous said...

Fly it over those Illegal China Islands !!!!

Anonymous said...

Use it on China's wet markets and labs.

Anonymous said...

Going to be used on citizens not practicing social distancing.

Anonymous said...

WRONG! The county does not have an agreement with the Department of Defense that pays to the airport $500,000 annually. And the deli has closed.