U.S. Air Force photo/Chrissy Cuttita U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) received its first AC-130J Ghostrider gunship...
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U.S. Air Force photo/Chrissy Cuttita
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U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) received its first AC-130J Ghostrider gunship on July 29, featuring improved operational capability.
The fourth generation gunship designed for close air support and air interdiction missions, features more efficient engines, improved fuel efficiency and the ability to fly higher, further and quieter. The type will replace the existing AC-130H/U/W gunship variants gradually by 2021.
The AC-130J is a modified MC-130J Commando II aircraft, which itself is based on the Lockheed Martin C-130J military transport aircraft.
The AC-130J can provide ground forces with an expeditionary, direct-fire platform that is persistent, suited for urban operations and capable of delivering precision munitions against ground targets.
Pairing weapons with a networked battle management system, enhanced communications and situational awareness upgrades the AC-130J’s ability to deliver surgical firepower.
Converting the airlifter into a strike aircraft meant adding some hardware, which come in the form of the Precision Strike Package.
The Precision Strike Package includes dual electro-optical infrared sensors, a 30-mm cannon, AGM-176A Griffin missiles, all-weather synthetic aperture radar and GBU-39 small diameter bomb capabilities.
The sensors allow the gunship to visually or electronically identify friendly ground forces and targets at any time, even in adverse weather.
The aircraft is capable of extremely accurate navigation due to the fully integrated navigation systems with dual inertial navigation systems and global positioning system. To handle power requirements imposed by the advanced avionics and aircraft systems, the AC-130J is equipped with 60/90 kilo volt amp generators that provide increased DC electrical output.
After completing the initial developmental test and evaluation by the 413th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, the aircraft will be flown by the 1st Special Operations Group Detachment 2 and maintained by the 1st Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron during its initial operational tests and evaluations at Hurlburt Field.
Operational testing is expected to be complete in spring 2016.
A total of 32 MC-130J aircraft will be modified for AFSOC as part of a $2.4 billion program.
