An AC-130J Ghostrider assigned to the 4th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla., flies over Wisconsin during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2021, July 30, 2021. The AC-130J is part of a gunship legacy flight which paid tribute to Air Force Special Operations Command’s heritage and showcased its newest gunship to the public. Photo by Master Sgt. Christopher Boitz/USAF
KAFB News:
KIRTLAND AFB – On Thursday, Sept. 5 at 10 a.m., the 58th Special Operations Wing at Kirtland Air Force Base (KAFB) will host an arrival ceremony for the AC-130J Gunship.
This event will include remarks from the 58th Special Operations Wing leadership, and a static aircraft display.
Mission
Additionally, 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. The mission management system fuses sensor, communication, environment, order of battle and threat information into a common operating picture.
Background
The AC-130J is the fifth generation gunship replacing the aging fleet of AC-130U/W gunships. 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. 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.
The AC-130J aircraft was officially named Ghostrider in May 2012. The first AC-130J aircraft completed developmental test and evaluation in June 2015. Initial operational capacity was reached in 2017; full operational capability is forecast for FY25. The first AC-130J squadron, the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, was activated at Hurlburt Field, Fla., Feb. 23, 2018. The last AC-130J delivery is scheduled for fiscal year 2024.
General Characteristics
- Primary Function: Close air support and air interdiction with associated collateral missions
- Contractor: Lockheed Martin
- Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 Turboprops
- Thrust: 4,700 shaft horsepower per engine
- Speed: 362 knots
- Ceiling: 28,000 feet
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 lbs.
- Range: 3,000 miles; limited by crew duty day with air refueling
- Wingspan: 132 feet 7 inches (39.7 meters)
- Length: 97 feet 9 inches (29.3 meters)
- Height: 39 feet 2 inches (11.9 meters)
- Crew: Two pilots, one combat systems officers, one weapon system operator, one sensor operator and four special mission aviators
- Armament: Precision Strike Package with 30mm and 105mm cannons and Standoff Precision
- Guided Munitions (i.e. GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, GBU-69 Small Glide Munition, AGM-114 Hellfire missile and AGM-176 Griffin missile)
- Date Deployed: July 2019
- Unit Cost: $165 million
- Inventory: Active duty, 37 by FY24
