To handle power requirements imposed by the advanced avionics and aircraft systems, the AC-130J is equipped with 60/90 kilo volt amp generators that provide increased DC electrical output. The aircraft is capable of Air Refueling with the Universal Air Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation (UARRSI) system. 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. Upgraded armament of the Ghostrider include a 30mm GAU-23 automatic side firing chain gun, a 105mm cannon, and Standoff Precision Guided Munitions (SOPGM) comprising wing-mounted GBU-39 small diameter bombs and AGM-176 Griffin laser-guided missiles. The AC-130J is set to replace the AC-130H Spectre and the AC-130U Spooky. The first AC-130J Ghostrider gunship arrives at Hurlburt Field in Florida on July 29, 2015. This aircraft will increase capacity requirements while bringing diverse technology ensuring the platform's relevance for decades to come.This is the Air Force’s newest beast of a gunship, the AC-130J GhostriderĪs if the AC-130 Spectre Gunship wasn’t already the ultimate flying fortress that rains lots of love all over the badguys, the Air Force now has the new AC-130J Ghostrider. The Air Commands who fly, maintain, and support the AC-130J are committed to continuing that proud heritage by developing into a force that presents challenges to our nation's adversaries in new ways and places” said Lt Col Saylor, 27 SOG Detachment 2 commander. “The AC-130J has been built on the backs of giants, evolving from four variants of the AC-130 to the AC-119 and AC-47. 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 fleet of AC-130U Spooky and AC-130W Stinger II gunships. The lethality has increased exponentially.” said Maj, Ryan Whitehead, 27th Special Operations Group AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft commander. “The engines are more powerful, the engines are more efficient, and it has a more accurate weapons system and precision guided munitions. The AC-130J is a heavily modified C-130J aircraft that provides many capabilities to carry out close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. This is one of the most recent, and probably one of the most tangible examples of how we’re actually getting after accelerate, change or lose.” said Col. “The transformation into the AFSOC we need, certainly nests well within the accelerate, change or lose direction from the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. The arrival of Cannon’s first AC-130J Ghostrider represents a significant expansion of force generation capacity as the Air Force Special Operations Command structures for the reemergence of great power competition, tightening fiscal constraints, and the accelerating rate of technological change, demanding significant transformation to ensure Air Commandos are ready to successfully operate in this new environment. Airmen with Hurlburt Field, Florida and Cannon Air Force Base delivered a new AC-130J Ghostrider gunship to the 27th Special Operations Wing’s specialized fleet July 19, 2021.
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