But it is also modular and could be removed.” We’re just now testing the 105 gun that we’re adding to the Precision Strike Package … and we expect that all of the airplanes will have the 105 gun capability. It could be removed, because it is modular, but I wouldn’t expect that that would happen for any of the missions. “For example, the Precision Strike Package currently has a 30 mm gun,” he explained. Lane highlighted the package as “a modular capability” of both guns and precision-guided munitions, but also one in which AFSOC is attempting to develop “a standard configuration of armaments.” Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Ericka Engblom Stinger IIs are MC-130Ws reconfigured as gunships. But the Precision Strike Package that is on the ‘Whiskey’ is really what has been developed and is the same package that is going in the AC-130J.”Īir Force descriptions characterize the Precision Strike Package as “designed to provide ground forces with an expeditionary, persistent direct fires platform capable of delivering precision low-yield munitions suited for urban operations,” adding that “it took less than 18 months from the first flight of a prototype modified aircraft to deployment to Operation New Dawn” and that the AC-130W gunships “have since been employed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.”Īn AC-130W Stinger II, 73rd Special Operations Squadron (73rd SOS), taxis down the flight line at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, July 12, 2012. “That was eventually abandoned, and the C-130J was chosen as the next gunship platform. “At the time, back in 2009, they were also looking at the potential of an AC-27, a smaller two-engine gunship,” he continued. … another likely future element in the Precision Strike Package would be the Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JAGM). No word on how many of the 32 would be headed to Cannon AFB or when the next AC-130J will be shipped to Cannon AFB.As part of the fleet expansion, Lane said that a new Precision Strike Package “was developed as the ‘next-generation gunship weapon suite,’ if you will, and the thought all along was that it would go into whatever platform the next-generation gunship was.” Ryan Whitehead, the AC-130J aircraft commander.īack in 2014, the USAF had reported that 32 C-130's would be modified into the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship. It represents a significant increase in performance and capability that makes us more effective and lethal on the battlefield," said Maj. In addition to the 30mm and 105mm cannons, the AC-130J can also launch what the USAF describes as Standoff Precision Guided Munitions, which include the AGM-114 Hellfire missile and the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb. 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. ![]() Drew Saylor, 27th Special Operations Group Detachment 2 commander.Īccording to the USAF, the AC-130J is described as having the following features: "As we accelerate change in Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) to refocus on strategic partners, the 17 SOS is able to leverage the extended range and expanded capability of the AC-130J to be more effective in the Pacific and across great distances," said U.S. The new AC-130J that was recently delivered to Cannon Air Force Base will become a part of the 17th Special Operations Squadron (17 SOS) which will reactivate in October, according to Cannon AFB.
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