First Ghostrider

Photo by Capt. Belena Marquez

The first MC-130J that will be converted into Air Force Special Operations Command's newest gunship was flown to Eglin AFB, Florida, for modifications on 9 January 2013. Conversion of the airframe is scheduled to be completed in November 2014. The new AC-130J Ghostrider will inherit the precision strike package from the AC-130W Stinger II. The precision strike package, developed to support ground forces in overseas contingency operations, includes dual electro-optical infrared sensors, a 30mm cannon, AGM-176 Griffin missiles, all-weather synthetic aperture radar, and the capability to release Small Diameter Bombs. The sensors allow the gunship crew to visually or electronically identify targets at any time, including adverse weather.

Comments
Related News