US Air Force Special Operations Command receives final AC-130J Ghostrider gunship.

U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) received its 31st and final AC-130J Ghostrider, completing the command’s transition from the legacy AC-130W, AC-130U and AC-130H fleets. Capt. Alicia Premo, Air Force Special Operations Command, reports.

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A Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider taxies on the flight line following the AC-130J Ghostrider dedication and delivery ceremony, Nov. 2, 2022, at Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Fla. The ceremony marked the 31st and final AC-130J delivery to the U.S. Air Force (Picture source: U.S. Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Michael Charles)

Following a commemoration ceremony at the Lockheed Martin Gunship Modification Facility in Crestview on November 2, the final AC-130J was delivered to the 27th Special Operations Wing at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

During the AC-130J Ghostrider dedication and delivery ceremony, Lt. Col. Joe Allen, Gunship Program manager and narrator for the event, briefly discussed the history of nose art and how it became a common way of depicting the name of an airplane. He also explained how pilots would stencil names or call signs on their aircraft, providing a sense of connection and further a feeling of pride for themselves and the crew that kept the airplane flying.

“Aircraft #31 is no different [than previous World War II aircraft] and is being named in honor of Mr. Stan ‘Sluggo’ Siefke who was instrumental in the developments of the precision strike package prior to cutting the first metal on the MC-130W,” said Allen. “Sluggo’s impacts on Whiskey and Ghostrider have been nothing short of outstanding and we are honored to have him in attendance today.”

Lt. Gen. James Slife, commander of U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, speaks during the AC-130J Ghostrider Dedication and Delivery Ceremony, Nov. 2, 2022, at Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Fla. Slife represented the command at the ceremony and spoke about his experience with acquiring and receiving the AC-130J (Picture source: U.S. Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Michael Charles)

Members of the U.S. Air Force leadership team listen as speakers talk about the AC-130J Ghostrider at the dedication and delivery ceremony Nov. 2, 2022, at Bob Sikes Airport in Crestview, Fla. (Picture source: U.S. Air Force/Tech. Sgt. Michael Charles)

Mission

The AC-130J Ghostrider's primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. Close air support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point air defense. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity and include strike coordination and reconnaissance and overwatch mission sets. The AC-130J provides ground forces an expeditionary, direct-fire platform that is persistent, ideally suited for urban operations and delivers precision low-yield munitions against ground targets.

Features

The AC-130J is a highly modified C-130J aircraft that contains many advanced features. It contains an advanced two-pilot flight station with fully integrated digital avionics. The aircraft is capable of extremely accurate navigation due to the fully integrated navigation systems with dual inertial navigation systems and a global positioning system. Aircraft defensive systems and color weather radar are integrated as well. The aircraft is capable of air refueling with the Universal Air Refueling Receptacle Slipway Installation system.

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. 

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 (Picture source: U.S. Air Force/Master Sgt. Christopher Boitz)