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Jet-fighter lasers shine in high-tech turret tests
Lockheed Martin has paved a way for a laser turret system on high-speed fighter jets, holding nearly 60 secret tests since 2014. The Aero-adaptive Aero-optic Beam Control (ABC) turret has demonstrated its ability to allow fighter jets flying at near-supersonic speeds to fire laser weapons in any direction. An aircraft's turbulence usually scatters the laser beam's light particles. But the company's aerodynamic and flow-control technology in the turret cushions against the turbulence. "This advanced turret design will enable tactical aircraft to have the same laser weapon system advantages as ground vehicles and ships," Doug Graham, vice president of missile systems and advanced programs at Lockheed's space systems business, said. "This is an example of how Lockheed Martin is using a variety of innovative technologies to transform laser devices into integrated weapon systems." The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) believe Lockheed Martin's turret tests will contribute to improving laser weapon systems on tactical aircraft. |
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