AC-130J Ghostrider
OEM: Lockheed Martin
First Produced: 2014
Status: Active
Role: Special operations gunship
Primary Operator: Air Force Special Operations Command
OEM Website: lockheedmartin.com
The AC-130J Ghostrider is Air Force Special Operations Command's latest gunship, built on the MC-130J Combat Shadow II airframe and mounting a 30mm GAU-23/A side-firing cannon, a 105mm cannon, and standoff precision weapons including AGM-176 Griffin missiles and Small Diameter Bombs. Sensors include electro-optical/infrared and synthetic-aperture radar.
The AC-130J replaces the legacy AC-130U Spooky and AC-130W Stinger II and extends the gunship mission of close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance in permissive to moderately contested environments for special operations forces worldwide. Future upgrades under exploration include airborne high-energy laser integration.
Related Systems
Ready to Win Defense Contracts?
Stop guessing — let Blacksmith AI draft your next winning proposal.