#FLARES IN GUNSHIP III UPDATE#

The Ghostrider is outfitted with a Precision Strike Package, which includes 30mm and 105 mm cannons and precision guided munitions of GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs and AGM-176 Griffin missiles. The AC-130J is the fourth generation gunship replacing the aging fleet of AC-130U/W gunships. 19, 2017, the AC-130J Ghostrider, the Air Force’s next-generation gunship achieved Initial Operating Capability and will be tested and prepared for combat deployment in the next few years. Over the past four decades, AC-130s have deployed constantly to hotspots throughout the world in support of special operations and conventional forces. In South America, Africa, Europe and throughout the Middle East, gunships have significantly contributed to mission success.Īs of Sept. The AC-130W was converted from the MC-130W Dragon Spear, a special operations mobility aircraft and are armed with precision strike packages to relieve the high operational demands on AC-130U gunships until new AC-130Js enter combat-ready status. The AC-130Us have a pressurized cabin, allowing them to operate 5,000 feet higher than the H models, which results in greater range. The Spooky II is armed with a 25mm GAU-12/U Gatling gun (1800 rpm), a 40mm L60 Bofors cannon (120 rpm) and a 10mm M102 howitzer (6-10 rpm). The Spooky II became operational in 1994, revitalizing the special operations gunship fleet as a replacement for the AC-130A aircraft, and to supplement the workhorse AC-130H Spectre, which was retired in 2015.

#FLARES IN GUNSHIP III UPDATE#

The gunships have been modified with multiple configurations through the years with each update providing stronger avionics systems, radars and more powerful armament.Ĭurrently, Air Force special operations groups operate the AC-130U Spooky II and the AC-130W Stinger II. In 1969, the AC-130 received the Surprise Package, which included 20mm rotary autocannons and a 40mm Bofors cannon configuration. The AC-130A was equipped with down facing Gatling guns affixed to the left side of the aircraft with an analog fire control system. The aircraft is powered by four turboprop engines and has a flight speed of 300 mph and a flight range of 1,300 miles, depending on weight. The gunship’s AC identifier stands for attack-cargo. The Hercules cargo airframe was converted into AC-130A (Project Gunship II) because it could fly faster, longer, higher and with increased munitions load capabilities. DEVELOPMENTĭuring the Vietnam War the C-130 Hercules airframe was selected to replace the original gunship, the Douglas AC-47 Spooky (Project Gunship I). The Air Force is the only operator of the AC-130 and the gunship has been providing close air support for special operators for the last 50 years. The AC-130 relies heavily on visual targeting at low altitudes and punishes enemy targets while performing pylon turns around a fixed point on the ground during attack. The heavily armed aircraft is outfitted with sophisticated sensor, navigation and fire control systems, allowing it to track and target multiple targets using multiple munitions with surgical precision.Īnother strength of the gunship is the ability to loiter in the air for extended periods of time, providing aerial protection at night and during adverse weather. The primary missions of the gunship are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

Flares in gunship iii