DARPA Testing Planes That Will Have Laser Weapons

The Aero-adaptive Aero-optic Beam Control turret that Lockheed Martin is developing for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the Air Force Research Laboratory has completed initial flight testing. The prototype turret was tested on the University of Notre Dame’s Airborne Aero Optical Laboratory Transonic Aircraft in Michigan. Credit: Air Force Research Laboratory

DARPA Testing Planes With A 'Star Wars'-Style Laser Cannon -- CNet

We don't have X-wing fighters just yet, but we may soon have their laser weapons. DARPA is working on a system that's downright Lucasian.



Prepare yourself for a future filled with real-life pew pew! The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is working with Lockheed Martin to test "a new beam control turret... to give 360-degree coverage for high-energy laser weapons operating on military aircraft."



In other words, it stuck a primitive (by rebel standards) "Star Wars"-style laser cannon on a fighter jet and flew it over Michigan eight times.



"These initial flight tests validate the performance of our ABC turret design," Lockheed's Doug Graham said. in a release.



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More News On DARPA Testing Planes That Will Have Laser Weapons

Lockheed Martin successfully tests new air-based laser turret -- Guns.com

Lockheed tests turret for airborne laser weapon -- Optics.org

DARPA Tests Out Planes Mounted With Laser Turret -- Ubergizmo

DARPA And Lockheed Are FINALLY Testing Laser Turrets On Planes -- Daily caller

Lockheed Martin conducts flight tests of aircraft laser turret for DARPA -- Phys.org



Update: The U.S. Navy's program appears to be more advanced .... US Laser Weapons Inch Closer To Deployment -- Defense World