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F-16 pilots from the 150th FW at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, are honing their laser firing skills against airborne targets while flying their aircraft—without ever leaving the ground. Pilots are using the high-energy laser fighter simulator, an F-16 simulator modified to integrate a high-energy laser weapon model into an F-16’s program. The simulator evaluates design para-meters for an actual high-energy laser weapon system and helps an operator get familiar with a directed energy weapon system. The system can also be used to develop tactics and a concept of operations. “It’s imperative to have a better understanding of what lasers can do for our fighter pilots,” said Col. Mark Stephen, directed energy directorate deputy director. “By providing the warfighter with the best technology, we ensure the protection of the flyer and better defense for our national interests.”
Air Force research laboratory officials are funding and developing the high-energy laser fighter simulator in conjunction with Theater Aerospace Command and Control Simulation Facility experts. Lockheed Martin, working with the other agencies, is investigating the use of the high-energy laser on the Joint Strike Fighter.
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