THE AC-130J GHOSTRIDER LASER WEAPON DREAM HAS OFFICIALLY ENDED


By sfelty
An Airman from the 73rd Special Operations Squadron marshals an AC-130J Ghostrider to its parking location after landing at Kadena Air Base on March 29, 2021.

The U.S. Air Force's dream of mounting a laser on the AC-130J Ghostrider have been officially shut down due to "technical advancements." But what is the future of the Ghostrider? Unfortunately, it is not as bright as it once was. The goal for the latest round of updates/advancements was to install an airborne high energy laser on the gunship. However, the testing was not complete as the Airborne High Energy Laser missed its "available integration and flight test window" amid open-air ground testing. Learn more about what the Air Force plans to do with this plane now that hosting a high-energy laser weapon is seemingly out of the picture.Suggested read: Niger Military Splits With US, However, Still Hasn’t Contacted Pentagon

Why Was the Testing Opportunity for the AC-130J Ghostrider Missed?

An official stated that the installation was called off due to “technical problems.” This brought an end to the service's attempt at an airborne directed energy system that had been underway for years. A missed fight test window and a inability to perform ultimately put an end to the Air Force's dreams.In November of 2023, it was announced that the airborne testing would begin later in January of 2024 and that it would conclude in June of 2024. That timeline was already with a delay given from an earlier promised testing date a few years earlier back in 2021.

AC-130J Ghostrider Flight Delay Causes Unfortunate Consequences

A command spokesman said that there was a significant end-to-end high power operation that took place for ground testing. The missed flight test window caused the team to refocus on the ground testing, with the hope to improve reliability for a hand-off to other agencies once the laser is in operation. Unfortunately, it appears that the Lockheed AC 130 will probably never see battle.The beginning of the dream started in 2015 when AFSOC wanted to put a high energy laser on an aircraft. Lockheed Martin received a contract in the early months of 2019. They had the task of demonstrating what it would look like using an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship.

The Dream That Almost Was: A High Energy Laser

The Air Force's goal was to install a laser and use it for low-probability detection on the battlefield. The laser would be used in communication nodes, light/medium duty vehicles, and power infrastructures, said U.S. Special Operations Commands in the 2025 budget request.Regarding laser application, Commander Lt. Gen. Brad Webb said in 2017, “Without the slightest bang, whoosh, thump, explosion or even aircraft engine hum, key targets are permanently disabled.” Talking more about the tactical benefits of the laser he went on to say, “The enemy has no communications, no escape vehicle, no electrical power and no retaliatory intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.”This is not the first time a laser has been proposed for use on a military aircraft, such as the AC-130J Ghostrider. The U.S. military actually mounted a laser on a fixed wing aircraft back in 2010. The Boeing 747-based airborne laser successfully shot down a ballistic missile during a test on the coast of California.Currently, there is no funding left for Webb's dream. Special Operations Command budget documents show funding for the AHEL was at zero as part of the fiscal 2025 budget request. Initially, the budget was at $3 million in 2024 and $15.387 million in 2023.Related read: 5 Proven Strategies for Rebuilding Military Family Bonds After Service

What Does the Future Hold for the AC-130J Ghostrider's Laser?

As of this writing, the future of the laser seems to be unclear. The goal is to create a successful hand-off for use by other agencies. It is possible that the technology will transfer over to the Self-Protect High-Energy Laser Demonstrator program.Have an interest in seeing the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship in action? Check out this video to see it take flight!This program is looking to mount a laser system on a fighter jet in order to neutralize the incoming missiles. The testing was facing delays and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are plans for release some time this year, so we might be seeing the AC-130J Ghostrider serving our nation sometime soon. Read next: Disabled While Serving? Learn How VR&E (Chapter 31) Can Help


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