---
title: "The future is nigh: AC-130 gunships could be outfitted with laser cannons"
date: "2018-06-25"
modified: "2020-10-22"
authors:
  - name: "Team Mighty"
    job_title: "Author"
    link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/teammighty.md"
url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/watch/the-future-is-nigh-ac-130-gunships-could-be-outfitted-with-laser-cannons/"
categories:
  - "Aircraft"
  - "Military News"
  - "Tactical"
  - "Technology"
---

# The future is nigh: AC-130 gunships could be outfitted with laser cannons

![](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/wp-content/uploads/legacy/assets.rbl.ms/17307099/origin.jpg>)

The new head of Air Force Special Operations Command has said he's bullish on outfitting part of his fearsome AC-130 gunship fleet with lasers to blast ground targets — and is even considering placing such weapons on CV-22 Osprey tiltrotors for his air commandos.

---

Admittedly a high-energy laser cannon on an airplane as small as a C-130 Hercules (others have fit on Navy ships and 747-sized airplanes) is still in the research phase, but that hasn't kept AFSOC from pursuing the technology since 2015.

You can read more about the development of [laser toting AC-130 gunships here](<https://www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-tactical/ac-130-gunships-could-be-outfitted-with-laser-cannons.md>).

## Author
Team Mighty's experience encompasses intel, special ops, military history, tactical expertise, aviation, gear, and weapons. Authors on Team Mighty include veterans, spouses, and active and reserve service members from every branch of the military, as well as former CIA employees.