Electric energy weapon implementation on an airborne platform

Lockheed Aircraft Service Company (LAS) is conducting an independent research and development project investigating new technologies that will decrease the vulnerability and improve the mission effectiveness of the AC-130 Gunship aircraft. The hypervelocity launcher technology is capable of providing both assets by increasing stand-off range while maintaining or increasing energy-on-target. To further understand the system integration implications of these technologies, LAS is developing instrumentation and measuring the aircraft-related effects generated by present laboratory electromagnetic and electrothermal chemical guns during firing. These measurements attempt to quantify external physical effects that are potentially threatening to the aircraft and crew. Analysis of the measurement data and comparisons with an effects baseline identify aircraft/weapon compatibility issues and determine installation requirements. The author describes the measurements performed and the data results, and explains the analysis process and comparison conclusions