air force's newest gunship ac-130j ghostrider

The first Block 30 was delivered for testing in 2019. Upgrades based on initial operational testing resulted in the Block 20+/30 configuration which improved gun accuracy, hardened GPS, and added wing-mounted Hellfire missiles and ramp-deployed GBU-69 Small Glide Munitions. The configuration was deemed operationally effective for most taskings in 2018. PSP includes a dual mission management console, robust communications suite, two EO/IR sensors, advanced fire-control equipment, PGM delivery capability, and trainable cannons.īlock 20 added/retrofit a 105 mm gun, laser guided SDB, side-facing pilot tactical HUD, and Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM).

SOFspecific enhancements are rapidly developed and integrated in response to operational requirements.

The next-generation gunship is based on a highly modified MC-130J, retrofit after delivery with a modular precision strike package, wing-mounted weapons, and gunship-specific systems.Īirframes are upgraded and managed in common with the HC/MC-130J, receiving Block 8.1 avionics upgrades along with the baseline C-130J.

The AC-130J is designed to provide ground forces a persistent direct-fire platform and deployed to combat for the first time in Afghanistan in June 2019. The AC-130J is a CAS, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance platform optimized for convoy escort, point defense, and supporting urban combat.

Air force's newest gunship ac-130j ghostrider