The first AC-130J aircraft completed developmental test and evaluation in June 2015. The AC-130J aircraft was officially named Ghostrider in May 2012. In South America, Africa, Europe and throughout the Middle East, gunships have significantly contributed to mission success. Over the past four decades, AC-130s have deployed constantly to hotspots throughout the world in support of special operations and conventional forces.

AC-130 gunships have an extensive combat history dating back to Vietnam where gunships destroyed more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with many life-saving, close air support missions. The AC-130J is the fifth generation gunship replacing the aging fleet of AC-130U/W gunships. The mission management system fuses sensor, communication, environment, order of battle and threat information into a common operating picture. The aircraft is capable of air refueling with the Universal Air Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation system.Īdditionally, the AC-130J is modified with the Precision Strike Package, which includes a mission management console, robust communications suite, two electro-optical/infrared sensors, advanced fire control equipment, precision guided munitions delivery capability, as well as trainable 30mm and 105mm weapons. Aircraft defensive systems and color weather radar are integrated as well. The aircraft is capable of extremely accurate navigation due to the fully integrated navigation systems with dual inertial navigation systems and global positioning system. It contains an advanced two-pilot flight station with fully integrated digital avionics. The AC-130J is a highly modified C-130J aircraft that contains many advanced features. The AC-130J provides ground forces an expeditionary, direct-fire platform that is persistent, ideally suited for urban operations and delivers precision low-yield munitions against ground targets. Air interdiction missions are conducted against pre-planned targets or targets of opportunity and include strike coordination and reconnaissance and overwatch mission sets. Close air support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point air defense. The AC-130J Ghostrider's primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance.

Air force gunship ospery