AC-130J Ghostrider 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 pre-planned 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. 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 AC-130J is equipped with a variety of systems that allow it to operate in various austere conditions. Background The AC-130J is the fifth-generation gunship that replaced the 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. The AC-130J is part of a gunship legacy flight which paid tribute to Air Force Special Operations Command’s heritage and showcased its newest gunship to the public. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Christopher Boitz) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res An AC-130J Ghostrider gunship takes off for a training mission over Hurlburt Field, Fla., Oct. 15, 2020. The AC-130J provides close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance in support of special operations around the world any time, anywhere. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dennis Spain) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res An AC-130J Ghostrider gunship, assigned to the 27th Special Operations Group Detachment 2, taxis on the flight line July 19, 2021, at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M. The arrival of Cannon’s first AC-130J Ghostrider represents a significant expansion of force generation capacity as AFSOC structures for the reemergence of great power competition, tightening fiscal constraints, and the accelerating rate of technological change needed to operate in the current environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Marcel Williams) (This photo has been altered for security purposes by blurring out aircraft and squadron identifiers.) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res The AC-130J aircraft was officially named Ghostrider in May 2012. The first AC-130J aircraft completed developmental test and evaluation in June 2015. Initial operational capacity was reached in 2017; full operational capability is forecast for FY25. The first AC-130J squadron, the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, was activated at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Feb. 23, 2018. The last AC-130J delivery occurred in November 2022. General Characteristics: Primary Function: Close air support and air interdiction with associated collateral missions Contractor: Lockheed Martin Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 Turboprops Thrust: 4,700 shaft horsepower per engine Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 lbs Range: 3,000 miles; limited by crew duty day with air refueling Wingspan: 132 feet 7 inches (39.7 meters) Length: 97 feet 9 inches (29.3 meters) Height: 39 feet 2 inches (11.9 meters) Crew: 2 Pilots, 2 Combat Systems Officers, and 4 Special Mission Aviators Armament: Precision Strike Package with 30mm and 105mm cannons and Standoff Precision Guided Munitions (i.e. GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, GBU-69 Small Glide Munition, AGM-114 Hellfire missile and AGM-176 Griffin missile) Date Deployed: July 2019 Unit Cost: $165 million Inventory: Active duty, 37 by FY24 (Current as of January 2025)