Technical trade-offs, such as choosing whether the laser's size, weight, and power requirements are more important than alternative possible capability increases, may also influence the choice.Moreover, the US Air Force still goes through the multi-year modernization process of the existing AC-130Js, converting them from the so-called Block 20 version to the newer Block 30 variant. However, it will be up to AFSOC to decide whether it can secure sufficient funding to convert the program from a technical development into a program of record following the final flying demonstration. This money also allegedly pays for aircraft fit inspections and ground testing before the first flight. According to the report, due to the anticipated beginning of flight testing, US Special Operations Command requested an additional $4 million to the original $16 million in FY23 compared to FY22 levels to continue laser integration on the AC-130J. At that time, 2022 was the planned year for flying demonstrations, but it was eventually postponed for unknown reasons.A Lockheed representative, in turn, supposedly said that the company is still working with AFSOC while it conducts ground testing and combines the AHEL laser with other subsystems, including thermal, power management, and beam control. Becky Heyse.Heyse reportedly told the outlet that a flying demonstration of Lockheed Martin's AHEL, integrated on a Ghostrider, will begin in summer 2023 and continue through the fall of that year.According to the report, after completing factory acceptance testing of the system, Lockheed shipped the 60-watt laser to AFSOC in October 2021. Next year, the US Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) will conduct a test of an airborne laser on an AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, Breaking Defense reported, citing spokeswoman Lt.
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