Without laser weapons and 105mm gun: US change the approach to AC-130J aircraft (photo)

Constant technical problems with laser weapons have led to plans to close the program this year, because the first flight was to take place in 2024, but this has not happened yet. And the 105-mm gun may not be effective in the event of a war in the Pacific. The US Air Force has refused plans to install laser weapons on the AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft. Also, 105mm gun can be removed from the aircraft. About it reports The War Zone.

After many years, delays in the United States have decided to give up AHEL laser weapon on AC-130J. Globally, the military is watching current and future planned opportunities on the AC-130J aircraft. The aircraft want to be re -profiled from operations to fight the rebels to plan high intensity fighting. "Upon completion of significant terrestrial outdoor tests of solid-state AHEL laser system, technical problems have arisen.

These problems detained integration on AC-130J Block 20 after the existing window for integration and flight test USA. At first, the army hoped that flight tests of AC-130J with laser weapons would take place in the 2021 financial year, but the schedule was constantly postponed. The last date was January 2024, but this also did not happen. As a result, the program was focused on ground tests to improve the work and reliability of the entire installation developed by Lockheed Martin.

The budget request for the 2025 Financial year has no request for funding AHEL, because this year the program will be closed. There is also more and more signs that the Ghostrider will lose 105mm howitzers within the reassessment of the aircraft. The Pentagon will conduct an engineering analysis and how to remove the gun from the aircraft. All this is associated with a potential war in the Pacific.