LANCE Pod (50-100kW Solid State Laser)

[KJohnston11]

DB Selector

DB3K

Baseline

3432

Hypothetical

No

Name

LANCE Pod Solid State Laser (90kW)

Length (m)

2.52

Width/Span (m)

0.30

Diameter (m)

0.30

Weight (kg)

202.3

Range (nm)

1.0-10.0

Target Altitude / Depth (ft)

10ft AGL - 60,000ft AGL

Target Speed (kts)

-

Launch Altitude / Depth (ft)

-

LaunchSpeed (kts)

-

Warhead

Solid State Laser Shot, 150kW

Targets

Aircraft, Helicopter, Missile, C-RAM (Counter Rocket, Artillery and Mortar), Surface Vessel

CEP (m)

-

Sensors

None.

Weapon Codes

No response

Comments

Please note: the hyphens I used in the engagement characteristics portion of this form is the same as what I see in the DB. please advise if numbers are needed.

The LANCE Pod is a weapons pod designed for the F-16 and possibly F-35. It occupies station 5 in the photo below, in replacement of the SNIPER-XR Pod or other station 5 occupying items. It would be ideal to get an F-16C for 2022 with this separately.

The laser is the same (as far as I can see) as the laser installed on the AC-130J. If not, tweak the Kilowatt amount as needed to make it fair (its an airborne laser on a fighter jet, it isn't going to be like HELIOS or COIL laser shots.) It can engage enemy air to air missiles, cruise missiles, guided bombs, artillery, and aircraft and gets guidance from the F-16 itself or other aircraft with Link 16.

Sources

https://eurasiantimes.com/1st-air-force-with-laser-weapons-f-22-developer-equips-us-air-force-with-lance-dews-for-its-fighter-jets/

https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/first-laser-weapon-for-a-fighter-delivered-to-the-air-force

https://breakingdefense.com/2022/07/lockheed-delivers-airborne-laser-lance-to-air-force-research-lab/

[KJohnston11]

Saw it already was added.

[tbrandon517]

Duplicate of #1723

[KJohnston11]

Any word on this?

[tbrandon517]

Shifting to the Hypothetical realm

https://www.twz.com/news-features/u-s-military-laser-weapon-programs-are-facing-a-reality-check