:Lockheed AC-130

During the Vietnam War, the C-130 Hercules was selected to replace the Douglas AC-47 Spooky gunship (Project Gunship I) to improve mission endurance and increase capacity to carry munitions. Capable of flying faster than helicopters and at high altitudes with excellent loiter time, the use of the pylon turn allowed the AC-47 to deliver continuous, accurate fire to a single point on the ground.{{Cite web |title=Lockheed AC-130A |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3216 |type=fact sheet |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141011171113/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3216 |publisher=National Museum of the United States Air Force |archive-date=11 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}{{Citation |title=Douglas AC-47D |date=23 October 2009 |url= http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3211 |type=fact sheet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011174350/https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3211 |publisher=National Museum of the United States Air Force |archive-date=11 October 2014 |url-status=dead}}

File:An air-to-air front view of a AC-130 Hercules aircraft in-flight near Hurlburt Field DF-ST-89-00413.jpg

In 1967, JC-130A 54-1626 was selected for conversion into the prototype AC-130A gunship (Project Gunship II). The modifications were done at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base by the Aeronautical Systems Division. A direct-view night-vision telescope was installed in the forward door, an early forward-looking infrared device was placed in the forward part of the left wheel well, with miniguns and rotary cannons fixed facing down and aft along the left side. The analog fire-control computer prototype was handcrafted by Wing Commander Tom Pinkerton at the USAF Avionics Laboratory at Wright-Patterson AFB. Flight testing of the prototype was performed primarily at Eglin Air Force Base, followed by further testing and modifications. By September 1967, the aircraft was certified ready for combat testing and was flown to Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam, for a 90-day test program. The AC-130 was later supplemented by the AC-119 Shadow (Project Gunship III), which later proved to be underpowered.

Seven more airframes were converted to the "Plain Jane" configuration like the AC-130 prototype in 1968,{{Citation |title=Lockheed AC-130A "Plain Jane" |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3220 |df=dmy-all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705235558/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3220 |publisher=National Museum of the United States Air Force |access-date=5 April 2009 |archive-date=5 July 2009 |url-status=dead}} and one aircraft received the "Surprise Package" refit in 1969.{{Cite web |date=8 January 2009 |title=Lockheed AC-130A "Surprise Package" |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3221 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914075833/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3221 |archive-date=14 September 2011 |access-date=5 April 2009 |website=National Museum of the United States Air Force |url-status=deviated}} The Surprise Package upgrade included the latest 20 mm rotary autocannons and 40 mm Bofors cannon, but no 7.62 mm close-support armament. The Surprise Package configuration served as a test bed for the avionic systems and armament for the AC-130E. In 1970, 10 more AC-130As were acquired under the "Pave Pronto" project.{{Cite web |title=Lockheed AC-130A "PAVE Pronto" |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3222 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090705235603/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3222 |archive-date=5 July 2009 |access-date=5 April 2009 |website=National Museum of the United States Air Force}} In the summer of 1971, Surprise Package AC-130s were converted to the Pave Pronto configuration and assumed the new nickname of "Thor". Conversion of C-130Es into AC-130Es for the "PAVE Spectre" project followed.{{Cite web |date=8 January 2009 |title=Lockheed AC-130E "PAVE Spectre" |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3224 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914204403/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3224 |archive-date=14 September 2011 |access-date=5 April 2009 |website=National Museum of the United States Air Force}}{{Cite web |date=23 October 2009 |title=Lockheed AC-130E "Pave Aegis" |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3225 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914205747/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3225 |archive-date=14 September 2011 |access-date=5 April 2009 |website=National Museum of the United States Air Force}} Regardless of their project names, the aircraft were more commonly referred to by the squadron's call sign, Spectre.{{fact|date=November 2023}}

File:AC-130U Spooky gunship 30 mm cannon.jpg

In 2007, AFSOC initiated a program to upgrade the armament of AC-130s. The test program planned for the 25 mm GAU-12/U and 40 mm Bofors cannon on the AC-130U gunships to be replaced with two 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II cannons.{{cite web |url=http://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles2006/200610105842.asp |title=30 mm Everywhere |publisher=strategypage.com |date=1 October 2006 |author=Dunnigan, James |access-date=17 July 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100105194201/http://strategypage.com/dls/articles2006/200610105842.asp |archive-date=5 January 2010 |url-status= live}} In 2007, the Air Force modified four AC-130U gunships as test platforms for the Bushmasters. These were referred to as AC-130U Plus 4 or AC-130U+4. AFSOC, however, canceled its plans to install the new cannons on its fleet of AC-130Us. It has since removed the guns and reinstalled the original 40 mm and 25 mm cannons and returned the planes to combat duty.{{cite web |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/a-spookier-spooky-30mm-at-a-time-03023/ |title=A Spookier Spooky, 30 mm at a Time? Nope |date=1 March 2012 |work=Defense Industry Daily |access-date=21 April 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130921043205/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/a-spookier-spooky-30mm-at-a-time-03023/ |archive-date=21 September 2013 |url-status= live}} Brigadier General Bradley A. Heithold, AFSOC's director of plans, programs, requirements, and assessments, said on 11 August 2008 that the effort was canceled because of problems with the Bushmaster's accuracy in tests "at the altitude we were employing it". Also, schedule considerations drove the decision, he said.Michael Sirak with Marc Schanz, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20081011030623/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2008/October%202008/1008world.aspx "Spooky Gun Swap Canceled"]}}. Air Force Magazine, October 2008, Volume 91, Number 10, p. 24.

Plans were made for the possible replacement of the 105 mm M102 howitzer with a breech-loading variant of the 120 mm M120 mortar. The 120mm breech-loading mortar concept offers more flexibility with the use of munitions that are currently available with greater lethality, precision strike capabilities, reduction in collateral damage, and decreased casualties in danger close scenarios. Also, using the newer AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (based on the Hydra 70 rockets), or the Viper Strike glide bombs can dramatically increase the standoff capability of the AC-130.{{cite web |url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006garm/tuesday/elliot.pdf |title=Future AC-130 Gunship Integrated Weapons Systems |publisher=US DoD |date=March 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221233703/http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006garm/tuesday/elliot.pdf |archive-date=21 February 2007}}

The conceptual breechloading variant of the 120 mm M120 mortar has several key advantages over the conventional M102 105 mm howitzer. 100 rounds of ammunition weighs {{convert|4,200|lb|abbr=on}} for the M102 105 mm howitzer compared to {{convert|3,200|lb|abbr=on}} for the M120 120 mm mortar. The recoil load is {{convert|10,900|lbf|N|abbr=on}} with the 105 mm howitzer compared to {{convert|5,600|lbf|N|abbr=on}} with the M120 120 mm mortar. The gun recoiling weight for the M102 105 mm howitzer is {{convert|1,465|lb|kg|abbr=on}} compared to {{convert|1,315|lb|kg|abbr=on}} for the M120 120 mm mortar. The muzzle pressure for the M102 105 mm howitzer is {{convert|3,560|psi|MPa|abbr=on}} compared to {{convert|1,620|psi|MPa|abbr=on}} for the M120 120 mm mortar.{{cn|date=April 2024}}

In 2010, the Air Force awarded L-3 Communications a $61 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=61000000|start_year=2010}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) contract to add precision strike packages to eight MC-130W Combat Spear special-mission aircraft[https://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4371 DoD "Contracts"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101005181846/http://www.defense.gov/contracts/contract.aspx?contractid=4371 |date=5 October 2010}}. U.S. Department of Defense, 21 September 2010. to give them a gunship-like attack capability; such-equipped MC-130Ws are known as Dragon Spears. AFSOC is arming these aircraft to relieve the high operational demands on AC-130 gunships until new AC-130Js enter service.Sirak, Micael. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110707100006/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2010/June%202010/0610SOF.aspx "The SOF Makeover"]}} Air Force Magazine, Vol. 93, No. 6 June 2010. The MC-130W Dragon Spear was renamed AC-130W Stinger II in 2011.Wallace, Ashley. "News: Stinger II". Air International, Vol. 82 No. 5, May 2012, p. 19. {{ISSN|0306-5634}}. The precision strike packages consist of a 30 mm gun and several precision guided munitions. Rails are mounted on the outboard pylon of the wing for four Hellfire missiles, SDBs, or SDB IIs under each. Ten common launch tubes (CLTs) are mounted on the rear ramp to fire Griffin A missiles; additional missiles are stored in the aircraft that can be reloaded in flight.[https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/afsoc-ac-130-gunships/ AFSOC AC-130 Gunships] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204171608/https://www.defensemedianetwork.com/stories/afsoc-ac-130-gunships/ |date=4 February 2017}} – Defensemedianetwork.com, 1 June 2015 CLTs are able to fire other small munitions able to fit inside the {{convert|6|in|cm|adj=on}}-diameter, {{convert|48|in|m|adj=on}}-long tubes.[http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2016/May/Pages/SpecialOperationsGunshipstoBeEquippedWithImprovedSensors.aspx "Special Operations Gunships to Be Equipped With Improved Sensors"]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}} – Nationaldefensemagazine.org, May 2016

The AC-130J Ghostrider came from a 2011 initiative that sought to acquire 16 new gunships based on newly built MC-130J Commando II special-operations tankers outfitted with a "precision strike package" to give them an attack capability, requesting $1.6 billion from fiscal years 2011 through 2015. This was to increase the size of the gunship fleet to 33 aircraft, a net increase of eight after the planned retirement of eight aging AC-130Hs. The first aircraft would be bought in fiscal 2012, followed by two in fiscal 2013, five in fiscal 2014, and the final eight in fiscal 2015.{{cite news |last=Sirak |first=Micael |url=http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2010/April%202010/0410world.aspx |title=Air Force World |volume=93 |number=4 |newspaper=Air Force Magazine |date=April 2010 |access-date=27 February 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707095945/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2010/April%202010/0410world.aspx |archive-date=7 July 2011 |url-status=usurped}} The decision to retain the C-130 came after funding for 16 C-27Js was removed from the fiscal 2010 budget.{{cite news |title=Schwartz: AFSOC will likely convert more C-130s into 'gunship-lites' |newspaper=Inside the Air Force |date=22 May 2009}}

The AC-130J was to follow the path of the Dragon Spear program.Duncan, Capt. Kristen D. [https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/story/id/123244936/ "Benchmark 'Dragon Spear' program earns William J. Perry Award"] . Air Force Special Operations Command Public Affairs On 9 January 2013, the Air Force began converting the first MC-130J into an AC-130J.{{cite news |url=https://www.af.mil/News/story/id/123331866/ |title=The most fearsome weapon is evolving |publisher=USAF |date=9 January 2013 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801181427/http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123331866 |archive-date=1 August 2013}} The first AC-130J was delivered to AFSOC on 29 July 2015.[http://www.deagel.com/news/US-Air-Force-Special-Operations-Command-Takes-Delivery-of-First-AC-130J-Ghostrider_n000014329.aspx "US Air Force Special Operations Command Takes Delivery of First AC-130J Ghostrider"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804220426/http://www.deagel.com/news/US-Air-Force-Special-Operations-Command-Takes-Delivery-of-First-AC-130J-Ghostrider_n000014329.aspx |date=4 August 2015}}, Deagel.com, Air Force News Service, 31 July 2015 The first AC-130J gunships achieved initial operational capability (IOC) on 30 September 2017.[https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-air-force/2017/10/10/the-air-forces-newest-deadliest-gunship-just-hit-a-major-milestone/ The Air Force’s newest, deadliest gunship just hit a major milestone] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011130414/https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-air-force/2017/10/10/the-air-forces-newest-deadliest-gunship-just-hit-a-major-milestone/ |date=11 October 2017}} – Militarytimes.com, 10 October 2017 The AC-130J has two planned increments: the Block 10 configuration includes an internal 30 mm gun, small diameter bombs, and laser-guided missiles launched from the rear cargo door; and Block 20 configuration adds a 105 mm cannon, large aircraft infrared countermeasures, wing-mounted Hellfire missiles, and radio-frequency countermeasures.[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ac-130j-poised-to-hit-initial-operational-capabilit-441336/ AC-130J poised to hit initial operational capability target] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922123125/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ac-130j-poised-to-hit-initial-operational-capabilit-441336/ |date=22 September 2017}} – Flightglobal.com, 21 September 2017

The Air Force decided to add a 105 mm cannon to the AC-130J in addition to the 30 mm cannon and smart bombs, the shells being more accurate and cheaper than dropping SDBs. AFSOC also pursued a directed-energy weapon on board the AC-130J by 2022,{{Cite web|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a32580060/ac-130-gunship-lasers/ |title= How Could the AC-130 Gunship Get Even Better? Lasers|date= 18 May 2020}}Mike Hoffman, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20150131033344/http://defensetech.org/2015/01/29/afsoc-wants-to-research-adding-laser-weapons-to-ac-130/ "AFSOC Wants to Research Adding Laser Weapons to AC-130"]}}, Defensetech.org, 29 January 2015. similar to the previous Advanced Tactical Laser program. It was to produce a beam of up to 120 kW, or potentially even 180–200 kW, weigh about {{convert|5000|lb|kg|abbr=on}}, defensively destroy antiaircraft missiles, and offensively engage communications towers, boats, cars, and aircraft.James Drew, [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/afsoc-developing-tactics-for-2020-ac-130-gunship-l-416878/ "AFSOC developing tactics for '2020' AC-130 gunship laser weapon"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150918203716/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/afsoc-developing-tactics-for-2020-ac-130-gunship-l-416878/ |date=18 September 2015}}, FlightGlobal, 17 September 2015Brendan McGarry, {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20150919095810/http://defensetech.org/2015/09/16/air-force-wants-a-laser-weapon-on-an-ac-130j-gunship/ "Air Force Wants a Laser Weapon on AC-130J Gunship"]}}, Defensetech.org, 16 September 2015Lara Seligman, [http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20170704074648/http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/2015/12/03/afsoc-leveraging-lessons-ac-130j-laser/76723364/ "AFSOC Leveraging Lessons from Navy for AC-130J Laser"], Defensenews.com, 3 December 2015 A laser armament would have only been installed on a few aircraft rather than the entire AC-130J fleet;Sydney J. Freedberg, Jr., [http://breakingdefense.com/2015/12/ac-130-to-get-laser-guns-air-launched-drones-heithold/ "AC-130 To Get Laser Guns & Air-Launched Drones: Heithold"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151207025141/http://breakingdefense.com/2015/12/ac-130-to-get-laser-guns-air-launched-drones-heithold/ |date=7 December 2015}}, Breakingdefense.com, 3 December 2015 the laser would be mounted on the side in place of the 30 mm cannon.[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/afsoc-favours-side-mounted-laser-for-gunship-426926/ AFSOC favours side-mounted laser for gunship] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160702151602/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/afsoc-favours-side-mounted-laser-for-gunship-426926/ |date=2 July 2016}} – Flightglobal.com, 1 July 2016 AFSOC eventually ruled out the idea in 2024 after the project was delayed by years,{{Cite web |last=Trevithick |first=Joseph |date=2024-03-19 |title=AC-130 Gunship's Laser Weapon Cancelled, 105mm Howitzer May Be Removed |url=https://www.twz.com/air/ac-130-gunships-laser-weapon-cancelled-105mm-howitzer-may-be-removed |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=The War Zone |language=en-US}} determining that placing a laser out the side of the airframe would yield so much air turbulence that it would disrupt the beam.[https://www.defensenews.com/air/2023/11/07/us-air-force-may-remove-105mm-cannon-from-ac-130-gunship/ US Air Force may remove 105mm cannon from AC-130 gunship]. Defense News. 7 November 2023. In addition to this, while the laser weapon on the Lockheed AC-130 turned out to be a failure, Lockheed has been examining concepts for the integration of the laser module system onto the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, he said. Other potential additions include an active denial system to perform airborne crowd control, and small unmanned aerial vehicles from the CLTs to provide remote video feed and coordinates to weapons operators through cloud cover.Brian Everstine, [http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/tech/2015/03/19/high-tech-upgrades-ac130/24956345/ "AFSOC envisions its gunship armed with lasers, other high-tech weapons"], Air Force Times, 19 March 2015 Called the Tactical Off-board Sensor (TOBS), the drones would be expendable and fly along a programmed orbit to verify targets the aircraft cannot see itself because of bad weather or standing off from air defenses. AFSOC was to initially use the Raytheon Coyote small UAV for the TOBS mission, as it is an off-the-shelf design with a one-hour endurance, but planned to fulfill the role with a new drone capable of a four-hour endurance by 2019.

The Air Force was also interested in acquiring a glide bomb that can be launched from the CLTs, capable of hitting ground vehicles traveling as fast as 120 km/h (70 mph) while above {{convert|10000|ft|m|abbr=on}}.James Drew, [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-special-forces-seek-tube-launched-glide-bombs-419394/ "US special forces seek tube-launched glide bombs"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124163950/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-special-forces-seek-tube-launched-glide-bombs-419394/ |date=24 November 2015}}, FlightGlobal, 23 November 2015 In June 2016, Dynetics was awarded a contract by SOCOM to integrate its tactical munition onto the AC-130. Designated the GBU-69/B Small Glide Munition, the weapon weighs {{convert|27|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and is armed with a {{convert|16|kg|lb|adj=on}} blast-fragmentation warhead that can detonate by direct impact or at a selected height; despite being smaller, being unpowered allows for its warhead to be heavier than those on the Hellfire and Griffin A missiles, {{convert|9|kg|lb|abbr=on}} and {{convert|5.9|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, respectively. Guidance is provided by a GPS receiver with anti-spoofing software and four distributed-aperture semiactive laser seeker apertures adapted from the WGU-59/B APKWS for terminal guidance.[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dynetics-unveils-new-glide-bomb-with-16kg-warhead-426349/ Dynetics unveils new glide bomb with 16kg warhead] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202044005/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dynetics-unveils-new-glide-bomb-with-16kg-warhead-426349/ |date=2 February 2017}}, Flight global, 14 June 2016[http://www.defensenews.com/articles/dynetics-looks-to-fit-niche-with-small-glide-munition Dynetics Looks to Fit Niche With Small Glide Munition], Defense news, 22 August 2016[http://www.airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Documents/2016/June%202016/Dynetics.pdf Dynetics Awarded USSOCOM Small Glide Munition Contract] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205095635/http://www.airforcemag.com/DRArchive/Documents/2016/June%202016/Dynetics.pdf |date=5 February 2017}}, Airforce mag, 14 June 2016 Approval for fielding occurred in early 2017.[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dynetics-awarded-470-million-for-increased-producti-449364/ Dynetics awarded $470 million for increased production of glide bomb] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614045826/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dynetics-awarded-470-million-for-increased-producti-449364/ |date=14 June 2018}}. Flight International. 14 June 2018. Dynetics was awarded a contract to deliver an initial batch of 70 SGMs in June 2017, with plans to buy up to 1,000.[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-special-operators-add-new-munition-to-air-launche-438913/ US special operators add new munition to air-launched arsenal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170629224333/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-special-operators-add-new-munition-to-air-launche-438913/ |date=29 June 2017}} – Flight global, 29 June 2017 The SGM can travel {{cvt|20|mi|abbr=on}}.[https://breakingdefense.com/2018/05/commandos-buying-thousands-of-small-missiles-that-pack-a-bigger-punch-than-hellfires/ Commandos Buying Thousands of Small Missiles That Pack A Bigger Punch Than Hellfires] {{Webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180514065516/https://breakingdefense.com/2018/05/commandos-buying-thousands-of-small-missiles-that-pack-a-bigger-punch-than-hellfires/ |date=14 May 2018}}. Breaking Defense. 11 May 2018.

{{As of|2023}}, AC-130 gunships have been providing close air support for special operators for 56 years. Although the aircraft have been kept relevant through constant upgrades to their weaponry, sensor packages, and countermeasures, they are not expected to be survivable in future nonpermissive environments due to their high signatures and low airspeeds. Military analysts, such as the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, have suggested that AFSOC invest in more advanced technologies to fill the role to operate in future contested combat zones, including a mix of low-cost disposable unmanned and stealthy strike aircraft.Sandra I. Erwin, [http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1143 "Air Force Commandos Will Have Fewer Aircraft, More Firepower"] {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20150206143420/http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/blog/Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?ID=1143 |date=6 February 2015}} National Defense Magazine, 15 May 2013

AFSOC is considering a number of changes to the AC-130J in order to make it effective against advanced adversaries including removing the 105mm cannon and upgrading the aircraft with small cruise missiles, an AESA radar, and adaptive mission networking enhancements. In 2025, it was announced that the aircraft has carried out launch tests of Black Arrow, also known as the Small Cruise Missile (SCL) using its Ramp Launch Tubes.{{cite web |last1=Newdick |first1=Thomas |title=AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship Launches Black Arrow Small Cruise Missile In New Video |url=https://www.twz.com/air/ac-130j-ghostrider-gunship-launches-black-arrow-small-cruise-missile-in-new-video |website=The War Zone |access-date=6 April 2025 |date=5 April 2025}}

File:Ac130 gunship.jpg

The AC-130 is a heavily armed, long-endurance aircraft carrying an array of weapons against ground targets that are integrated with sophisticated sensors, navigation, and fire-control systems. It is capable of delivering precision firepower or area-saturation fire over a target area over a long period of time, at night, or in adverse weather. The sensor suite consists of an electro-optical image sensor, infrared sensor, and radar. These sensors allow the gunship to visually or electronically identify friendly ground forces and targets in most weather conditions.

The AC-130U is equipped with the AN/APQ-180, a synthetic aperture radar, for long-range target detection and identification. The gunship's navigational devices include inertial navigation systems and a global positioning system. The AC-130U employs technologies developed in the 1990s, which allow it to attack two targets simultaneously. It has twice the munitions capacity of the AC-130H. Although the AC-130U conducts some operations in daylight, most of its combat missions are conducted at night.Naylor, Sean. [https://books.google.com/books?id=Jz4zjLuvZsUC Not a Good Day to Die: The Untold Story of Operation Anaconda] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216104304/https://books.google.com/books?id=Jz4zjLuvZsUC |date=16 February 2017}}, pp. 425. Berkley Books, 2005. {{ISBN|0-425-19609-7}}. Retrieved 6 April 2009. The AC-130H's unit cost is US$132.4 million, and the AC-130U's cost is $190 million (fiscal 2001 dollars).

File:AC-130U Sensor Operator.jpg

During the Vietnam War era, the various AC-130 versions following the Pave Pronto modifications were equipped with a magnetic anomaly detector system called Black Crow (designated AN/ASD-5), a highly sensitive passive device with a phased-array antenna located in the left-front nose radome that could pick up localized deviations in the Earth's magnetic field normally used to detect submerged submarines. The Black Crow system was slaved into the targeting computers of the AC-130A/E/H, enabling the detection of the unshielded ignition coils of North Vietnamese trucks hidden under dense jungle foliage along the Ho Chi Minh trail. It could also detect hand-held transmitter signals of air controllers on the ground to identify and locate targets.

The PGM-38/U enhanced 25 mm high-explosive incendiary round was created to expand the AC-130U gunships' mission in standoff range and survivability for its 25 mm GAU-12/U gun. This round is a combination of the existing PGU-25 HEI and a M758 fuze designated as FMU-151/B to meet the MIL-STD-1316. The FMU-151 has an improved arming delay with multisensitive range."PGU-38/U 25mm Ammunition", August 1993, Alliant Techsystems, Public Release, Case No. 93-S3040, E10630 8/93.

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File:AC-130 Laos.jpg

The AC-130 gunship first arrived in South Vietnam on 21 September 1967 under the Gunship II program and began combat operations over Laos and South Vietnam that same year. In June 1968, AC-130s were deployed to Tan Son Nhut AB near Saigon for support against the Tet Offensive. By 30 October 1968, enough AC-130 Gunship IIs arrived to form a squadron, the 16th Special Operations Squadron of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. At this time, the C-130A gunship was designated the AC-130A.

On 18 August 1968, an AC-130 gunship flying an armed reconnaissance mission in Vietnam's III Corps was diverted to support the Katum Special Forces Camp. The ground commander quickly assessed the accurate fire and capabilities of this weapons system and called for fire on his own perimeter when the Viet Cong attempted to bridge the wire on the west side of his position.

By December 1968, most AC-130s flew under F-4 Phantom II escort (to protect the gunship against heavy and concentrated antiaircraft fire) from the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, normally three Phantoms per gunship. On 24 May 1969, the first Spectre gunship was lost to enemy fire.{{Sfn | Hobson | 2001 | p = 268}}

In late 1969, under code name "Surprise Package", 56-0490 arrived with solid-state, laser-illuminated, low light-level TV with a companion YAG laser designator, an improved forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor, video recording for TV and FLIR, an inertial navigation system, and a prototype digital fire-control computer. The remaining AC-130s were refitted with upgraded similar equipment in the summer of 1970, and then redeployed to Ubon RTAFB. On 25 October 1971, the first "Cadillac" gunship, the AC-130E, arrived in Vietnam. On 17 February 1972, the first 105mm cannon arrived for service with Spectre and was installed on Gunship 570. It was used from mid-February until the aircraft received battle damage to its right flap. The cannon was switched to Gunship 571 and was used until 30 March when the aircraft was shot down.

On 28 January 1973, the Vietnam peace accord went into effect, marking the end of Spectre operations in Vietnam. Spectre was still needed and active in the region, supporting operations in Laos and Cambodia. On 22 February 1973, American offensive operations in Laos ended and the gunships became totally committed to operations in the Cambodian conflict.

On 12 April 1975, the Khmer Rouge was threatening the capital of Phnom Penh and AC-130s were called on to help in Operation Eagle Pull, the final evacuation of American and allied officials from Phnom Penh before it was conquered by the communists. The AC-130 was also over Saigon on 30 April 1975 to protect the final evacuation in Operation Frequent Wind. Spectres were also called in when the USS Mayaguez was seized, on the open sea, by Khmer Rouge soldiers and sailors on 15 May 1975.

Six AC-130s and 52 air crew members were lost during the war.{{Sfn | Hobson | 2001 | p = 268}} AC-130s reportedly destroyed more than 10,000 trucks{{Cite web |title= The AC-130 gunship and its variants, Research from 10/2010 |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/abbottabad-compound/3A/3AC462D933EE22F4D8B4D32E19DDCF11_AC%20130%20research.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://www.cia.gov/library/abbottabad-compound/3A/3AC462D933EE22F4D8B4D32E19DDCF11_AC%20130%20research.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live}} and participated in many crucial close-air-support missions in Vietnam.

File:AC-130A pylon turn.jpg

With the conclusion of hostilities in Southeast Asia in the mid-1970s, the AC-130H became the sole gunship in the regular Air Force, home based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, while the AC-130A fleet was transferred to the Air Force Reserve's 919th Tactical Airlift Group (919 TAG) at Eglin AFB Auxiliary Field #3/Duke Field, Florida. With the transition to the AC-130A, the 919 TAG was then redesignated as the 919th Special Operations Group.

In the late 1970s, when the AC-130H fleet was first being modified for in-flight refueling capability, a demonstration mission was planned and flown from Hurlburt Field, Florida, nonstop, to conduct a 2-hour live-fire mission over Empire Firing Range in the Republic of Panama, then return home. This 13-hour mission with two in-flight refuelings from KC-135 tankers proved the validity of flying long-range missions outside the contiguous United States to attack targets then return to home base without intermediate stops.

AC-130s from both the 4th and 16th Special Operations Squadrons have been deployed in nearly every conflict in which the United States has been involved, officially and unofficially, since the end of the Vietnam War.

In July 1979, AC-130H crews deployed to Howard Air Force Base, Panama, as a precaution against possible hostile actions against American personnel during the Nicaraguan Revolution. New time aloft and nonstop distance records were subsequently set by a 16th SOS two-ship AC-130H formation flight that departed Hurlburt Field on 13 November 1979 and landed on 15 November at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, a distance of {{convert |7200|nmi|km}} and 29 hours 43 minutes nonstop, refueling four times in-flight.Lockheed records.{{Page needed |date=December 2023}}{{Citation |type= news |first= Pilot Lt Col Jim |last= Lawrence |date=June 1995 |title= ?? |newspaper= Night Flyer|publisher= AFSOC}} Refueling support for the Guam deployment was provided by KC-135 crews from the 305th Air Refueling Wing from Grissom AFB, Indiana.

In November 1979, four AC-130H gunships flew nonstop from Hurlburt Field to Anderson AFB, Guam, because of the hostage situation at the US Embassy in Iran. On Guam, AC-130H crews developed communications-out/lights-out refueling procedures for later employment by trial-and-error. This deployment with the 1 SOW/CC as task force commander was directed from the office of the CJCS for fear that Iranian militants could begin executing American Embassy personnel who had been taken hostage on 4 November. One early option considered AC-130H retaliatory punitive strikes deep within Iran. Later gunship flights exceeded the 1979 Hurlburt-to-Guam flight. Upon return in March 1980, the four planes soon found themselves in Egypt to support the ill-fated hostage rescue attempt.

File:AC-130 gunship firing broadside at dusk.jpg during twilight operations in 1988]]

During Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada in 1983, AC-130s suppressed enemy air-defense systems and attacked ground forces enabling the assault of the Point Salines Airfield via airdrop and air-land of friendly forces. The AC-130 aircrew earned the Lieutenant General William H. Tunner Award for the mission.

The AC-130Hs of the 16th Special Operations Squadron unit maintained an ongoing rotation to Howard AB, Panama, monitoring activities in El Salvador and other Central American points of interest, with rules of engagement eventually permitting attacks on FMLN targets. This commitment of maintainers and crews started in 1983 and lasted until 1990.{{cite web|last= Cooper|first= Tom |title= El Salvador, 1980–1992|url= http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=47|publisher= ACIG|access-date= 30 January 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140116083135/http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=89&Itemid=47|archive-date= 16 January 2014|url-status= live}} The AC-130 is considered to have hastened the end of the Salvadoran Civil War in the 1980s. Crews flew undercover missions from Honduras and attacked guerrilla camps and concentrations.{{Cite web |title=C-130 versions |url=https://www.c-130.net/c-130-versions-article3.html |access-date= 2023-04-12 |website= C-130.net}}

AC-130s also had a primary role during the United States invasion of Panama (named Operation Just Cause) in 1989, when they destroyed Panama Defense Force headquarters and numerous command-and-control facilities, and provided close air support for US ground troops. Aircrews earned the Mackay Trophy for the most meritorious flight of the year, and the Tunner Award.

File:USAF_AC130_Operation.ogv

During the Gulf War of 1990–1991 (Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm), Regular Air Force and Air Force Reserve AC-130s provided close air support and force protection (air base defense) for ground forces, and battlefield interdiction. The primary interdiction targets were early-warning/ground-control intercept sites along the southern border of Iraq. At its standard altitude of {{convert|12,000|ft|abbr=on}}, the aircraft had a proven ability to engage moving ground targets.{{cite web |url=https://www.strategypage.com/dls/articles2005/200563005819.asp |title= Why the AC-130 Fears Daylight |access-date=7 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160422213958/http://strategypage.com/dls/articles2005/200563005819.asp |archive-date=22 April 2016 |url-status=live}} The first gunship to enter the Battle of Khafji helped stop a southbound Iraqi armored column on 29 January 1991. One day later, three more gunships provided further aid to Marines participating in the operation. The gunships attacked Iraqi positions and columns moving south to reinforce their positions north of the city.

Despite the threat of SAMs and increasing visibility during the early morning hours of 31 January 1991, one AC-130H, AF Serial No. 69-6567, call-sign Spirit 03, opted to stay to continue to protect the Marines. A lone Iraqi with a Strela-2 MANPADS shot Spirit 03 down, and all 14 crew members were killed.{{Citation|url=http://www.specialoperations.com/Memorial/spirit.html |type=memorial |contribution=Spirit 03 and the Battle for Khafji |title=Special operations |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081025094548/http://www.specialoperations.com/Memorial/spirit.html |archive-date=25 October 2008}} The loss of Spirit 03 did however result in the US DoD joining the development of the AN/AAQ-24 Directed Infrared Countermeasures System which, in its updated laser-based form, is now a common fit across large US military aircraft.{{citation needed|date=December 2021}}

The military has used AC-130 gunships during the humanitarian operations in Somalia (Operation Restore Hope and Operation United Shield) in 1992–93 and Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti in 1994. AC-130s took part in Operation Assured Response in Liberia in 1996 and in Operation Silver Wake in 1997, the evacuation of American non-combatants from Albania.

AC-130s took part in the NATO missions in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo during the 1990s.

The AC-130U gunship set a new record for the longest sustained flight by any C-130 on 22 and 23 October 1997, when two AC-130U gunships flew 36 hours nonstop from Hurlburt Field to Taegu Air Base (Daegu), South Korea, being refueled seven times in the air by KC-135 tankers. The two gunships took on 410,000 lb (186,000 kg) of fuel. Gunships also were part of the buildup of US forces in 1998 to compel Iraq to allow UNSCOM weapons inspections.

File:AC-130 Training.jpg]]

The US has used gunships with deployments to the War in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Freedom's Sentinel, 2001–21), and Iraq War (Operation Iraqi Freedom, 2003–11). AC-130 strikes were directed by special forces on known Taliban locations during the early days of the war in Afghanistan. US Special Operations Forces used the AC-130 to support its operations. The day after arriving in Afghanistan, the AC-130s attacked Taliban and Al-Qaeda forces near the city of Kunduz and were directly responsible for the city's surrender the next day. On 26 November 2001, Spectres were called in to put down a rebellion at the prison fort of Qala-i-Jangi. The 16 SOS flew missions over Mazar-i-Sharif, Kunduz, Kandahar, Shkin, Asadabad, Bagram, Baghran, Tora Bora, and virtually every other part of Afghanistan. The Spectre participated in countless operations within Afghanistan, performing on-call close air support and armed reconnaissance. In March 2002, three AC-130 Spectres provided 39 crucial combat missions in support of Operation Anaconda in Afghanistan. During the intense fighting, the planes fired more than 1,300x 40mm and 1,200x 105mm rounds.

Close air support was the main mission of the AC-130 in Iraq. Night after night, at least one AC-130 was in the air to fulfill one or more air-support requests (ASRs). A typical mission had the AC–130 supporting a single brigade's ASRs followed by aerial refueling and another two hours with another brigade or SOF team. The use of AC-130s in places like Fallujah, urban settings where insurgents were among crowded populations of non-combatants, was criticized by human rights groups. AC-130s were also used for intelligence gathering with their sophisticated long-range video, infrared and radar sensors. In 2007, US Special Operations forces also used the AC-130 in attacks on suspected Al-Qaeda militants in Somalia.{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/01/08/somalia.strike/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070813055357/http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/01/08/somalia.strike/ |url-status=dead |archive-date= 13 August 2007 |title=Pentagon official: US attacks al Qaeda suspects in Somalia |publisher=CNN |date=8 January 2007}}{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6296971.stm |title=US plane 'bombed Somalia targets' |work=Africa News |publisher=BBC |access-date=25 January 2007 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070306171925/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6296971.stm |archive-date=6 March 2007 |url-status=live}}

Eight AC-130H and 17 AC-130U aircraft were in active-duty service as of July 2010. In March 2011, the Air Force deployed two AC-130U gunships to take part in Operation Odyssey Dawn, the US military intervention in Libya,{{Citation |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-28/coalition-isn-t-coordinating-strikes-with-rebels-u-s-says-1-.html |title=Coalition Isn't Coordinating Strikes With Rebels, US Says |first=Brendan |last=McGarry |publisher=Bloomberg |date=28 March 2011 |access-date=8 March 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20141009190819/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-28/coalition-isn-t-coordinating-strikes-with-rebels-u-s-says-1-.html |archive-date=9 October 2014 |url-status=live}} which eventually came under NATO as Operation Unified Protector.{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/us/29military.html |title=US Gives Its Air Power Expansive Role in Libya |last=Schmitt |first=Eric |date=29 March 2011 |work= The New York Times |page=A13 |access-date=29 March 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110401145709/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/29/us/29military.html |archive-date=1 April 2011 |url-status=live}}

By September 2013, 14 MC-130W Dragon Spear aircraft have been converted to AC-130W Stinger II gunships. The Stinger gunships have been deployed to Afghanistan to replace the aging AC-130H aircraft and provide an example for the new AC-130J Ghostrider. Modifications began by cutting holes in the plane to make room for weapons and adding kits and bomb bases for laser-guided munitions. Crews added a 105 mm cannon, 20-inch infrared and electro-optical sensors, and the ability to carry 250-lb bombs on the wings.{{Citation |url= http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130917/NEWS04/309170016/AFSOC-s-new-weapon-Portable-unmanned-aircraft-bases |title= AFSOC's new weapon: Portable unmanned aircraft bases |newspaper= The Military Times |date= 17 September 2013 |access-date= 17 September 2013 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131017235843/http://www.militarytimes.com/article/20130917/NEWS04/309170016/AFSOC-s-new-weapon-Portable-unmanned-aircraft-bases |archive-date= 17 October 2013 |url-status= live}}

The final AC-130H Spectre gunship, tail number 69-6569 "Excalibur" was retired on 26 May 2015 at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico.

On 15 November 2015, two days after the attacks in Paris by ISIL, AC-130s and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft destroyed a convoy of over 100 ISIL-operated oil tanker trucks in Syria. The attacks were part of an intensification of the US-led military intervention against ISIL called Operation Tidal Wave II (named after the original Operation Tidal Wave during World War II, a failed attempt to raid German oil fields that resulted in heavy aircraft and aircrew loss) in an attempt to cut off oil smuggling as a source of funding for the group.[http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/11/16/us-a10-attack-planes-hit-isis-oil-convoy-crimp-terror-funding.html US A-10 Attack Planes Hit ISIS Oil Convoy to Crimp Terror Funding] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117162257/http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/11/16/us-a10-attack-planes-hit-isis-oil-convoy-crimp-terror-funding.html |date=17 November 2015}} – Military.com, 16 November 2015

On 3 October 2015, an AC-130 mistakenly attacked the Doctors Without Borders hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, killing 42 people and injuring over 30. In five separate runs, the gunship struck the hospital, which had been erroneously identified as the source of attacks on coalition members. Subsequent inquiries led to punishment of 16 military personnel and cited "human error" as the root cause.{{cite news |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/01/07/congressman-questions-if-army-special-forces-denied-rescue-force-fire-support |title=Congressman questions if Army Special Forces denied rescue force, fire support|newspaper=The Washington post |date=7 January 2016 |access-date=11 January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160111193304/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2016/01/07/congressman-questions-if-army-special-forces-denied-rescue-force-fire-support/ |archive-date=11 January 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.stripes.com/news/centcom-ac-130-absolutely-did-fire-in-marjah-battle-against-taliban-1.387814 |title=CENTCOM: AC-130 'absolutely did fire' in Marjah battle against Taliban |work=Stars and Stripes |date=8 January 2016 |access-date=11 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160111024901/http://www.stripes.com/news/centcom-ac-130-absolutely-did-fire-in-marjah-battle-against-taliban-1.387814 |archive-date=11 January 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url= https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/09/world/asia/doctors-without-borders-hospital-kunduz-afghanistan.html |title= Death Toll in Airstrike on Doctors Without Borders Hospital May Rise, Group Says |work= The New York Times |date= 8 October 2015 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170519125116/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/10/09/world/asia/doctors-without-borders-hospital-kunduz-afghanistan.html |archive-date= 19 May 2017 |url-status= live|last1= Nordland |first1= Rod }}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/09/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-kunduz-doctors-without-borders-airstrike.html|title=U.S. Role in Afghanistan Turns to Combat Again, With a Tragic Error |newspaper=The New York Times |date=8 May 2016 |access-date=25 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170227144947/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/09/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-kunduz-doctors-without-borders-airstrike.html?_r=0 |archive-date=27 February 2017 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/30/world/asia/afghanistan-doctors-without-borders-hospital-strike.html |title=Pentagon Details Chain of Errors in Strike on Afghan Hospital |newspaper= The New York Times |date=29 April 2016 |access-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012214633/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/30/world/asia/afghanistan-doctors-without-borders-hospital-strike.html |archive-date=12 October 2018 |url-status=live |last1= Rosenberg |first1=Matthew}}

On 30 September 2017, the Air Force declared the AC-130J Ghostrider had achieved initial operational capability, with six gunships having been delivered; the aircraft is planned to reach full operational capability by 2023 with 37 gunships delivered. The J-variant is lighter and more fuel efficient than previous versions, able to fly at {{convert|416|mph|km/h|abbr=on}} with a range of {{convert|3000|mi|km|abbr=on}} and service ceiling of {{convert |28000|ft|m|abbr= on}}. The AC-130U returned from its final combat deployment on 8 July 2019;[https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/07/10/ac-130u-spooky-gunship-completes-its-final-combat-deployment.html AC-130U 'Spooky' Gunship Completes its Final Combat Deployment] {{Webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20190714194852/https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/07/10/ac-130u-spooky-gunship-completes-its-final-combat-deployment.html |date= 14 July 2019}}. Military.com, 10 July 2019. the final AC-130U was retired in June 2020.[https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104486/ac-130u/ "AC-130U Fact Sheet"]. U.S. Air Force AFSOC started taking delivery of the AC-130J in spring 2019, and the aircraft began deploying to Afghanistan by the summer.[https://www.military.com/daily-news/2019/09/16/ghostrider-gunship-ultimate-battle-plane-afsoc-commander-says.html "AFSOC's 'Ultimate Battle Plane' Now Operating in Afghanistan"]. Military.com, 16 September 2019.

On 21 November 2023, the Air Force released a statement that an AC-130J had performed a retaliatory strike on Iranian-backed militia group in central Iraq. The strike happened near Al-Asad Airbase after the militia members reportedly launched a ballistic missile against Al-Asad airbase. The Deputy Press Secretary of The Pentagon, Sabrina Singh stated "This self-defense strike resulted in some hostile fatalities." Notably the AC-130J's transponder remained on during the strike, and the remainder of its sortie.{{cite news |last1=Schogol |first1=Jeff |title=AC-130 destroys truck after watching it launch ballistic missile at US troops in Iraq |url=https://taskandpurpose.com/news/us-military-ac-130-iraq/ |work=Task & Purpose |date=21 November 2023}}{{cite news |last1=Dress |first1=Brad |title=US forces respond after attack at Iraq base, officials say |url=https://thehill.com/policy/defense/4321260-us-forces-respond-after-attack-at-iraq-base-officials-say/ |work=The Hill |date=21 November 2023}}

AC-130J Ghostrider

:Based on MC-130J; 32 aircraft were procured as of 2014 to replace the AC-130H.{{cite web |url=https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/473295/new-ac-130j-completes-first-test-flight/ |title=New AC-130J completes first test flight |last1=King Jr. |first1=Samuel |date=7 February 2014 |website=af.mil |publisher=Team Eglin Public Affairs |access-date=9 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302085446/http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/473295/new-ac-130j-completes-first-test-flight.aspx |archive-date=2 March 2014 |url-status=live}}Cohen, R. (12 November 2022). [https://www.c4isrnet.com/battlefield-tech/2022/11/12/pentagon-quietly-downsizes-us-special-operations-fleet-of-gunships/ "Pentagon quietly downsizes US Special Operations Fleet of gunships"]. C4ISRNet. As of 2018, the first AC-130J Ghostrider squadron, the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, is operating from Hurlburt Field, Florida.Lake, Jon. "Ghostrider Arrives to Replace Spooky Loop." Aviation International News. 14 March 2019. Retrieved 31 July 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.defensenews.com/news/your-air-force/2022/11/10/special-ops-airmen-get-fewer-new-gunships-than-promised/ |title=Special ops airmen get fewer new gunships than promised |date=10 November 2022}}

AC-130A Spectre (Project Gunship II, Surprise Package, Pave Pronto)

:Conversions of C-130As; 19 completed; transferred to Air Force Reserve in 1975, retired in 1995.

AC-130E Spectre (Pave Spectre, Pave Aegis)

:Conversions of C-130Es; 11 completed; 10 upgraded to AC-130H configuration.{{Cite web |date=8 January 2009 |title=Lockheed AC-130H |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3226 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913013658/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3226 |archive-date=13 September 2011 |website=National Museum of the United States Air Force}}

AC-130H Spectre

:Upgraded AC-130E aircraft; 8 completed; last aircraft retired in 2015.

AC-130U Spooky

:The 3rd generation AC-130 gunship.{{cite web |url= https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104486/ac-130u/ |title= AC-130U |publisher= US Air Force |date= January 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20221009010427/http://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104486/ac-130u/ |archive-date= 9 October 2022 |url-status= live}} The variant was retired in June 2020.

AC-130W Stinger II (formerly known as the MC-130W Dragon Spear)

:In May 2012 MC-130W Dragon Spear was renamed to AC-130W Stinger II.{{Cite web |title=AC-130W Stinger II |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104485/ac-130w-stinger-ii/ |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=U.S. Air Force}}12 MC-130W's converted to gunships.{{Cite web |title=AC-130W Stinger II Archives |url=https://www.airandspaceforces.com/weapons-platforms/ac-130w/ |access-date=2024-12-14 |website=Air & Space Forces Magazine |language=en-US}} The variant was retired in July 2022.{{Cite web |date=13 June 2022 |title=AC-130W Stinger II Retirement |url=https://www.hqmc.marines.mil/News/MarinesTV/videoid/846963/dvpTag/Gunship/ |access-date=30 September 2024 |website=Headquarters Marine Corps (.mil) |quote="...along with the remaining two AC-130Ws stationed at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., will be effectively retired next month, by order of the Secretary of the Air Force."}}

File:AC-130U over Hurlburt Field.jpg

;{{flag|United States}}

• United States Air Force{{cite web |url=http://www.military.com/special-operations/1st-special-operations-wing.html |title=Spec Ops Profile: 1st Special Operations Wing |work=Military.com |access-date=7 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160418073630/http://www.military.com/special-operations/1st-special-operations-wing.html |archive-date=18 April 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cannon.af.mil/Units.aspx |title=Units |access-date=7 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304023444/http://www.cannon.af.mil/Units.aspx |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.eglin.af.mil/News/story/id/123379338/ |title=New AC-130J completes first test flight |access-date=7 April 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223114926/http://www.eglin.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123379338 |archive-date=23 February 2014}}- 37 Active Duty as of 2024{{Cite news |title=AC-130J Ghostrider |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/467756/ac-130j-ghostrider/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127193711/https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/467756/ac-130j-ghostrider/ |archive-date=27 November 2024 |access-date=2024-12-14 |work=Air Force |language=en-US |url-status=live }}
• Detachment 2, 14th Air Commando Wing – Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam 1967–1968
• 8th Tactical Fighter Wing – Ubon/Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand 1968–1975
• 16th Special Operations Squadron
• 1st Special Operations Wing – Hurlburt Field, Florida 1975–1993, 2006–present
• 4th Special Operations Squadron 2006–present
• 8th Special Operations Squadron 1975
• 16th Special Operations Squadron 1975–1993, 2006–2007
• 18th Flight Test Squadron 1991–1993, 2006–2017
• 19th Special Operations Squadron 2006–2017
• 73rd Special Operations Squadron 2018–present
• 16th Special Operations Wing – Hurlburt Field, Florida 1993–2006
• 4th Special Operations Squadron 1995–2006
• 73rd Special Operations Squadron 2007–2015
• 18th Flight Test Squadron
• 19th Special Operations Squadron 1996–2006
• 27th Special Operations Wing – Cannon AFB, New Mexico 2007–
• 16th Special Operations Squadron
• 17th Special Operations Squadron{{Cite web|url=https://www.cannon.af.mil/Units/27th-Special-Operations-Group/|title=27th Special Operations Group|website=www.cannon.af.mil}}
• 551st Special Operations Squadron
• 46th Test Wing – Eglin AFB, Florida 2014–present
• 413th Flight Test Squadron
• 412th Test Wing – Edwards AFB, California 1990–1995
• 418th Flight Test Squadron
• 492nd Special Operations Wing – Hurlburt Field, Florida 2017–present
• 18th Flight Test Squadron
• 19th Special Operations Squadron
• 919th Special Operations Wing – Duke Field, Florida 1975–1995
• 711th Special Operations Squadron

File:AC-130 Spectre nose art.jpg on AC-130A AF Serial No. 53–3129 at the USAF Armament Museum, Eglin AFB, Florida]]

One of the first seven AC-130A aircraft deployed to Vietnam was AF serial no. 53–3129, named First Lady in November 1970. This aircraft was a conversion of the first production C-130. On 25 March 1971, it took an anti-aircraft artillery hit in the belly just aft of the nose gear wheel well over the Ho Chi Minh trail in Laos. The 37 mm shell destroyed everything below the crew deck and barely missed striking two crew members. The pilot was able to crash land the aircraft safely.Noecker, Jeff. Callsign: Spectre {{specify|date=April 2015}} In 1975, after the conclusion of US involvement in the Vietnam war, it was transferred to the Air Force Reserve, where it served with the 711th Special Operations Squadron of the 919th Special Operations Wing. In 1980, the aircraft was upgraded from the original three-bladed propellers to the quieter four-bladed propellers and was eventually retired in late 1995. The retirement also marked an end to the Air Force Reserve Command flying the AC-130A. The aircraft now sits on display in the final Air Force Reserve Command configuration with grey paint, black markings, and the four-bladed Hamilton Sunstrand 54H60-91 props at the Air Force Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, USA.[http://www.gunships.org/birds.html "List of AC-130 Gunships."] Gunships. Retrieved 6 June 2011. {{dead link|date=July 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}[http://www.gunships.org/1stlady.html "First Lady retires, era ends."] Gunships. Retrieved 6 June 2011. {{dead link|date=July 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

A second aircraft, AF serial no. 56–0509, named the Ultimate End, was originally accepted as a C-130A by the Air Force on 28 February 1957,{{citation needed|date=December 2017}} and modified to the AC-130A configuration on 27 July 1970. The aircraft participated in the Vietnam War and the rescue of the SS Mayaguez. Ultimate End demonstrated the durability of the C-130 after surviving hits in five places by 37 mm anti-aircraft artillery on 12 December 1970, extensive left wing leading edge damage on 12 April 1971 and a 57 mm round damaging the belly and injuring one crewman on 4 March 1972. "Ultimate End" was reassigned to the Air Force Reserve's 919th Special Operations Wing at Eglin AFB Auxiliary Field No.3 / Duke Field on 17 June 1975, where it continued in service until retired in the fall 1994 and transferred to Air Force Special Operations Command's Heritage Air Park at Hurlburt Field, Florida. While assigned to the 711th Special Operations Squadron, Ultimate End served in Operations JUST CAUSE in Panama, DESERT STORM in Kuwait and Iraq, and UPHOLD DEMOCRACY in Haiti. After 36 years and seven months of service, 24 years as a gunship, Ultimate End retired from service on 1 October 1994. It made its last flight from Duke Field to Hurlburt Field on 20 October 1994. The Spectre Association dedicated "Ultimate End" (which served with the 16 SOS in Vietnam) on 4 May 1995. Lt Col Michael Byers, then 16 SOS commander, represented the active-duty gunship force and Clyde Gowdy of the Spectre Association represented all Spectre personnel past and present for the unveiling of a monument at the aircraft and the dedication as a whole.{{Cite web |title=AC-130A Spectre |url=http://www.hurlburt.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3423 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623064014/http://www2.hurlburt.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=3423 |archive-date=23 June 2010 |website=USAF Hurlburt Field}}

A third AC-130A, AF serial no. 54–1630, is on display in the Cold War Gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Named Azrael for the angel of death in Islam who severs the soul from the body, this aircraft figured prominently in the closing hours of Operation Desert Storm. On 26 February 1991, Coalition ground forces were driving the Iraqi Army out of Kuwait. With an Air Force Reserve crew called to active duty, Azrael was sent to the Al Jahra highway (Highway 80) between Kuwait City and Basra, Iraq, to intercept the convoys of tanks, trucks, buses, and cars fleeing the battle. Facing SA-6 and SA-8 surface-to-air missiles and 37 mm and 57 mm radar-guided anti-aircraft artillery the crew attacked and destroyed or disabled most of the convoys. Azrael was also assigned to the 919th Special Operations Wing and retired to the museum in October 1995.{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=412 |title=Lockheed AC-130A Spectre |access-date=7 April 2009 |publisher=National Museum of the United States Air Force |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025075036/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=412 |archive-date=25 October 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/071106-F-1234S-006.jpg |title=AC-130A Spectre image |publisher=National Museum of the United States Air Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231001323/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/071106-F-1234S-006.jpg |archive-date=31 December 2013 |url-status=dead}}

Another AC-130A, AF serial no. 54–1626, the original prototype AC-130 named "Gunship II" is on display at the outdoor Air Park at the National Museum of the United States Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/051128-F-1234P-066.jpg |title=AC-130A image |publisher=National Museum of the United States Air Force |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022064020/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/shared/media/photodb/photos/051128-F-1234P-066.jpg |archive-date=22 October 2012 |url-status=dead}} This aircraft served in Southeast Asia from 1967 to 1972, then served in JC-130A test configuration. It was transferred to the National Museum of the United States Air Force in 1976, and converted back to AC-130A configuration in the late 1990s.

AC-130A serial no. 54–1623, c/n 3010, named "Ghost Rider" served in Southeast Asia and later conflicts until being retired in 1997 to Dobbins AFB, Georgia. Ghost Rider eventually was transferred and displayed at the Aviation Wing Museum at Marietta, Georgia.

AC-130A serial no. 55–0014, named "Jaws of Death," initially served as a C-130A cargo aircraft before being converted to AC-130A configuration in 1970 and being deployed in Southeast Asia from 1971 to 1975. The aircraft also participated in Operation Desert Storm as part of Joint Task Force Proven Force in 1991 before being retired in 1995, when it was flown to Robins Air Force Base, Georgia and placed on display at the adjacent Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins.{{Cite web |title=C-130.net - The ultimate C-130 Hercules reference |url=https://www.c-130.net/aircraft-database/C-130/airframe-profile/6315/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=www.c-130.net}}{{Cite web |title=AC-130A Spectre {{!}} Museum of Aviation |url=https://museumofaviation.org/portfolio/ac-130a-spectre/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2014-06-12 |title=Reservists renew bond with Desert Storm AC-130A gunship |url=https://www.afrc.af.mil/News/Article/560975/reservists-renew-bond-with-desert-storm-ac-130a-gunship/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Air Force Reserve Command |language=en-US}}

AC-130H serial no. 69-6575, named "Wicked Wanda" is on display at the Hurlburt Field, FL airpark.{{cite web |last1=Placie |first1=Tyler |title=Hurlburt Field adds AC-130H, MC-130 to air park |url=https://www.afsoc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/652344/hurlburt-field-adds-ac-130h-mc-130-to-air-park/ |website=Air Force Special Operations Command |access-date=14 November 2023 |date=2 February 2016}}

AC-130U serial no. 87-0128, named "Big Daddy" is on display at the Hurlburt Field, FL airpark.{{cite web |last1=Mahoney |first1=Miranda |title=Hurlburt Field Airpark Adventure: The AC-130U Spooky Gunship |url=https://www.hurlburt.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3127728/hurlburt-field-airpark-adventure-the-ac-130u-spooky-gunship/ |website=Hurlburt Field |access-date=14 November 2023 |date=15 August 2022}}

File:Lockheed Martin AC-130U Line Drawing.svg

File:AC-130U training.jpg

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=USAF AC-130U Fact Sheet, AC-130J Fact Sheet{{Cite web |date=13 December 2013 |title=AC-130J Ghostrider |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/467756/ac-130j-ghostrider/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009075622/https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/467756/ac-130j-ghostrider/ |archive-date=9 October 2022 |access-date=20 March 2020 |publisher=US Air Force |type=fact sheet}}

|prime units?=kts

|crew=7

• Officers: 4 (Two Pilots, Two Combat Systems Officers)
• Enlisted: 3 (Special Mission Aviators)

|capacity=

|length m=

|length ft=97

|length in=9

|length note=

|span m=

|span ft=132

|span in=7

|span note=

|dia m=

|dia ft=

|dia in=

|dia note=

|height m=

|height ft=38

|height in=6

|height note=

|wing area sqm=

|wing area sqft=1745.5

|wing area note=

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|max takeoff weight lb=155000

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|eng1 number=4

|eng1 name=Allison T56-A-15

|eng1 type=turboprop engine

|eng1 kw=

|eng1 hp=

|eng1 shp=4300

|eng1 note=(AC-130U)

|eng2 number=4

|eng2 name=Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3

|eng3 type=turboprop engine

|eng2 kw=

|eng2 hp=

|eng2 shp=4700

|eng2 note=(AC-130J)

|prop blade number=6

|prop name=Dowty R391 featuring ARA-D/A airfoils

|prop dia m=

|prop dia ft=

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|prop dia note=

|max speed kmh=669

|max speed mph=416

|max speed kts=362

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|ceiling m=

|ceiling ft=39000

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|armament=

;;AC-130A Project Gunship II (retired)

• 4 × 7.62 mm GAU-2/A miniguns
• 4 × 20 mm (0.787 in) M61 Vulcan 6-barrel rotary cannon

;;AC-130A Surprise Package, Pave Pronto, AC-130E Pave Spectre (retired)

• 2× 7.62 mm GAU-2/A miniguns
• 2× 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon
• 2× 40 mm (1.58 in) L/60 Bofors cannon

;;AC-130E Pave Aegis (retired)

• 2× 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon
• 1× 40 mm (1.58 in) L/60 Bofors cannon
• 1× 105 mm (4.13 in) M102 howitzer

;;AC-130H Spectre (retired){{Citation |title=AC-130H/U Gunship |date=December 2015 |url=https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104486/ac-130u/ |type=fact sheet |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226130138/http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104486/ac-130hu.aspx |place=US |publisher=Air Force |access-date=11 February 2014 |archive-date=26 February 2014 |url-status=deviated}} (20 mm guns were removed).

(Prior to c. 2000)

• 2× 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon
• 1× 40 mm (1.58 in) L/60 Bofors cannon
• 1× 105 mm (4.13 in) M102 howitzer

(Latest armament){{citation needed|date=October 2022}}

• 1× 40 mm (1.58 in) L/60 Bofors cannon
• 1× 105 mm (4.13 in) M102 howitzer

;;AC-130U Spooky II (retired)

• 1× General Dynamics 25 mm (0.984 in) GAU-12/U Equalizer 5-barreled rotary cannon
• 1× 40 mm (1.58 in) L/60 Bofors cannon
• 1× 105 mm (4.13 in) M102 howitzer

;;AC-130W Stinger II (retired) / AC-130J Ghostrider (in service)

• 1× 30 mm ATK GAU-23/A autocannon{{cite press release |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atks-gau-23-30mm-automatic-cannon-receives-type-classification-for-use-on-us-air-force-ac-130w-gunships-161758515.html |title=ATK's GAU-23 30mm Automatic Cannon Receives Type Classification for Use on U.S. Air Force AC-130W Gunships |agency=PR Newswire |access-date=9 July 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121211020513/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/atks-gau-23-30mm-automatic-cannon-receives-type-classification-for-use-on-us-air-force-ac-130w-gunships-161758515.html |archive-date=11 December 2012 |url-status=live}}
• 1× 105 mm M102 howitzer{{cite web|url=http://breakingdefense.com/2015/01/ghostriders-big-gun-ac-130j-gets-105-asap-laser-later/ |title=Ghostrider's Big Gun: AC-130J Gets 105 ASAP; Laser Later|work=Breaking Defense|date=27 January 2015|access-date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160401151826/http://breakingdefense.com/2015/01/ghostriders-big-gun-ac-130j-gets-105-asap-laser-later/|archive-date=1 April 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-ac-130j-ghostrider-will-get-a-big-ass-gun-afterall-1682493641 |title=The AC-130J Ghostrider Will Get A Big Ass Gun Afterall|author=Tyler Rogoway|work=Foxtrot Alpha|date=30 January 2015 |access-date=7 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327030636/http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/the-ac-130j-ghostrider-will-get-a-big-ass-gun-afterall-1682493641|archive-date=27 March 2016|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/9940/the-usaf-finally-gives-its-ac-130w-gunship-the-big-gun-it-desperately-needs |title=The USAF Finally Gives Its AC-130W Gunship the Big Gun It Desperately Needs |date=3 May 2017 |access-date=6 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007022103/http://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/9940/the-usaf-finally-gives-its-ac-130w-gunship-the-big-gun-it-desperately-needs |archive-date=7 October 2017 |url-status=live}}Editorial, D. B. (2022, 25 January). US Air Force AC-130 gunships getting new 105mm howitzer. https://defbrief.com/2022/01/25/us-air-force-ac-130-gunships-getting-new-105mm-howitzer/ {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209174825/https://defbrief.com/2022/01/25/us-air-force-ac-130-gunships-getting-new-105mm-howitzer/ |date=9 December 2023 }}
• 'Gunslinger' weapons system with launch tube for AGM-176 Griffin missiles and/or GBU-44/B Viper Strike munitions (10 round magazines){{cite web |url= http://airforce.americanspecialops.com/aircraft/mc-130w-dragon-spear/ |title= MC-130W Dragon Spear |publisher= Air Force Special Operations |access-date= 16 September 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121025132215/http://airforce.americanspecialops.com/aircraft/mc-130w-dragon-spear/ |archive-date= 25 October 2012 |url-status= live}}
• Wing mounted, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles (AC-130J only), GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), and/or GBU-53/B SDB IIs (4 per hardpoint on BRU-61/A rack){{cite web |url= http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/bru-61a-bomb-rack-contract-for-cobham.html |title= BRU-61/A Bomb Rack |publisher= Armed Forces International |access-date= 22 March 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110324233720/http://www.armedforces-int.com/news/bru-61a-bomb-rack-contract-for-cobham.html |archive-date= 24 March 2011 |url-status= dead |df= dmy-all}}{{Citation |url= http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/articles/20121129.aspx |contribution= Daytime Gunships Galore |title= Strategy page |date= 29 November 2012 |access-date= 29 November 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121201134210/http://www.strategypage.com/htmw/htsf/articles/20121129.aspx |archive-date= 1 December 2012 |url-status= live}}

|avionics=

;;AC-130H Spectre (retired)

• Mission systems:
• Northrop Grumman AN/APN-241 multimode navigation radar – derived version of AN/APG-66 radar (formerly used on F-16A Fighting Falcon) consisting of precise navigation and air-to-ground modes including Monopulse Ground Mapping (MGM), Doppler Beam Sharpening (DBS), high resolution synthetic-aperture radar (SAR), Terrain Avoidance/Terrain Following (TA/TF), skin paint (for Station KEeping; SKE), maritime detection, weather/turbulence detection, wind shear alert, and ballistic wind measurement (for precision airdrop){{cite web |url=http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070221-135.pdf |title=Aircraft Procurement, vol 2 part 2, FY05 |publisher=USAF |access-date=25 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130217052204/http://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-070221-135.pdf |archive-date=17 February 2013}}
• Motorola (now General Dynamics) AN/APQ-150 Beacon Tracking Radar (BTR) – side-looking radar designed to search, acquire, and track ground beacon signal (X-band transponder) located at a friendly position from 10 nautical miles, beacon coordinate is used as a reference point for ground troop to give the gunship a bearing and range from the beacon to the desired target (mounted between 40 mm cannon and 105 mm howitzer)Boyne, Walter J. Encyclopedia of Modern U.S. Military Weapons, pp. 10–12. Barkley Books, 1995. {{ISBN|0-425-16437-3}}. Retrieved 1 July 2013.U.S. Air Force Career Field Education and Training Plan: Communication/Navigation/Mission Systems, pp. 257–291. U.S. Air Force, 2006. Retrieved 25 July 2013.
• Cubic Corporation AN/ARS-6 Personnel Locator System (PLS) – radio navigation set
• Raytheon AN/AAQ-26 Infrared Detecting Set (IDS) – long-wave infrared (LWIR) band Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) (mounted forward of the nose landing gear door){{cite web |url=http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/aaq26/ |title=AN/AAQ-26 Infrared Detecting Set |publisher=Raytheon |access-date=11 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603210459/http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/aaq26/ |archive-date=3 June 2013}}
• General Electric (now Lockheed Martin) AN/ASQ-145 Low Light Level Television (LLLTV) – EO fire control system consists of television camera (CCD-TV), AN/AVQ-19 Laser Target Designator/Ranger (LTD/R – 1064 nm laser emitter with permanently preset PRF code) with eyesafe mode (1570 nm laser emitter), AN/AAT-3 Ambient Temperature Illuminator (ATI – wide beam 860 nm laser illuminator), and Infrared Zoom Laser Illuminator Designator (IZLID – airborne version of 860 nm narrow beam laser pointer/marker and illuminator AN/PEQ-18) (mounted in the crew entrance door)
• Navigation systems:
• Teledyne Ryan (now part of Northrop Grumman) AN/APN-218 radar – doppler navigation radar
• Previously installed systems:
• AN/APN-59 radar – search and weather radar

;;AC-130U Spooky II (retired)

• Mission systems:
• Raytheon AN/APQ-180 multimode attack radar – enhanced version of AN/APG-70 radar (used on F-15E Strike Eagle) incorporating several enhanced air-to-ground modes such as fixed target track, ground moving target indication and track, projectile impact point position, beacon track, and a weather detectionPushies, Fred J. United States Air Force Special Ops, pp. 42–26. Zenith Press, 2007. {{ISBN|0-760-32947-8}}. Retrieved 12 June 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/apq180/ |title=AN/APQ-180 Radar |publisher=Raytheon |access-date=11 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603191609/https://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/apq180/ |archive-date=3 June 2013}}
• Raytheon AN/AAQ-26 IDS – LWIR FLIR (mounted on port side of the nose landing gear door)
• Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-39 Gunship Multispectral Sensor System (GMS2) – EO/IR fire control system consists of mid-wave infrared (MWIR) FLIR, two Image-Intensified Television (I2TV) cameras (CCD-TV), laser target designator/rangefinder with eyesafe mode (1064 and 1570 nm dual mode laser emitter), and near-infrared (NIR) laser pointer/marker (860 nm laser emitter) (mounted under the nose of port landing gear sponson){{cite web |url=http://www.lockheedmartin.com/us/products/q-39.html |title=AN/AAQ-39 |publisher=Lockheed Martin |access-date=12 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130515171231/http://lockheedmartin.com/us/products/q-39.html |archive-date=15 May 2013 |url-status=live}}
• Previously installed systems:
• GEC-Marconi All Light Level Television (ALLTV) – EO fire control systems consists of CCD-TV, Laser Target Designator/Range Finder (LTD/RF – 1064 nm laser emitter with in-flight programmable PRF code) with eyesafe mode (1570 nm laser emitter), and Laser Illuminator Assembly (LIA – 860 nm laser emitter)
• Countermeasures:
• Raytheon AN/ALR-69 – digital Radar warning receiver (RWR){{cite web |url=http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/alr69/ |title=AN/ALR-69A(V) Radar Warning Receiver |publisher=Raytheon |access-date=12 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017005137/http://www.raytheon.com/capabilities/products/alr69/ |archive-date=17 October 2013 |url-status=live}}
• L-3 Communications AN/AAR-44 – UV-based Missile Approach Warning System (MAWS){{cite web |publisher= American Special Ops |url= http://www.americanspecialops.com/usaf-special-operations/aircraft/ac-130/ |title= AN/AAR-44 – Infrared Warning Receiver |access-date= 11 August 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140701133444/http://www.americanspecialops.com/usaf-special-operations/aircraft/ac-130/ |archive-date= 1 July 2014 |url-status= live}}
• ITT Exelis AN/ALQ-172 – Digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) jammer-based Electronic countermeasure (ECM) incorporating integrated Electronic Warfare (EW) self-protection function of detection, processing, warning, prioritization, jamming, and threat display{{cite web |url=http://www.exelisinc.com/solutions/ALQ-172-EW-Integrated-Self-Protection-System/Pages/ |title=ALQ-172 (EW Integrated Self Protection System) |publisher=ITT Exelis |access-date=12 June 2013}}{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}
• BAE Systems AN/ALQ-196 Low-Band Jammer (LBJ) – low frequency DRFM jammer-based ECM{{cite web |url=http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=a3db0372-cdfa-4872-ba15-4d26d5663292 |title=BAe Systems Jammer for Special Hercs |publisher=Aero News Network |access-date=12 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304025445/http://www.aero-news.net/index.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=a3db0372-cdfa-4872-ba15-4d26d5663292 |archive-date=4 March 2014 |url-status=live}}
• Northrop Grumman AN/AAQ-24 Nemesis – laser-based Directional Infrared Counter Measures (DIRCM) (mounted on the port and starboard rear fuselage){{cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/jetds/an-aa2ad.html#_AAQ |title=AN/AAQ – Airborne Infrared Multipurpose/Special Equipment |publisher= Designation systems |first= Andreas |last= Parsch |access-date=12 June 2013}}
• BAE Systems AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS) – chaff/flare dispenser{{cn|date=February 2023}}

}}

File:AC-130U Aerial Gunners.jpg

File:AC-130H flies along Northwest Florida coast.jpg, Northwest Florida coast.]]

{{main|Aircraft in fiction#C-130 Hercules|l1=C-130 Hercules in fiction}}

{{aircontent

|see also=

• AN/ALQ-172

|related=

• Lockheed C-130 Hercules
• Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules

|similar aircraft=

• Antonov An-12 gunship variant
• Douglas AC-47 Spooky
• Fairchild AC-119

|lists=

• List of accidents and incidents involving the Lockheed C-130 Hercules
• List of active United States military aircraft
• List of Lockheed aircraft
• List of military electronics of the United States

}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Citation |last= Hobson |first= Chris |title= Vietnam Air Losses: United States Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps Fixed-Wing Aircraft Losses in Southeast Asia, 1961–1973 |place= Hinckley, England, UK |publisher= Midland |year= 2001 |isbn= 1-85780-115-6}}

{{Refbegin}}

• {{Cite book |last=Ballard |first=Jack S. |title= Development and Employment of Fixed-Wing Gunships 1962–1972 |page= 326 |publisher=Office of Air Force History, US Air Force |year=1982|url=https://media.defense.gov/2010/May/26/2001330293/-1/-1/0/AFD-100526-036.pdf|isbn=1-4289-9364-9|access-date=6 April 2009}} (AC-130 refs loaded throughout book)
• {{Cite book |last1=Bonds |first1= Ray |last2= Miller |first2= David |title=The Illustrated Directory of Special Forces |publisher= Zenith Imprint|year=2002|url= https://books.google.com/books?id=B8AbZk-lGJoC&pg=PA426 |isbn=0-7603-1419-5 |access-date=6 April 2009 |pages= 426ff, esp. 480}}
• {{cite book |last=Couvillon |first=Michael |title=Grenada Grinder |year=2011 |publisher=Deeds Publishing |location= Marietta, GA |isbn= 978-0-9826180-8-0}}
• {{Cite book |last=Head |first= William P. |title= Shadow and Stinger |publisher= Texas A&M University Press |year= 2007 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZE61JC0GwRkC |isbn= 978-1-58544-577-6 |access-date= 6 April 2009 |pages= 28ff, esp. 340}}
• {{Cite book |last=Momyer |first=William W., General (U.S. Air Force, retired) |title=Air Power in Three Wars |publisher= US Government Printing Office |year=1983 |url=https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/22/2001330043/-1/-1/0/AFD-100922-031.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/22/2001330043/-1/-1/0/AFD-100922-031.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live |isbn= 1-4289-8210-8 |access-date=6 April 2009 |pages= 211ff, esp. 358}}
• {{Cite book |last=Mrozek |first=Donald J. |title=Air Power and the Ground War in Vietnam|publisher= The Minerva Group |year=2002 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RYnSgeAweuIC |isbn=0-89875-981-1 |access-date=6 April 2009 |pages= 128ff, esp. 216}}
• {{Cite book |last=Pirnie |first=Bruce |title=Beyond Close Air Support: Forging a New Air-Ground Partnership |publisher= Rand Corp |year= 2005 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=b58S36o0ivsC&pg=PA58 |isbn= 0-8330-3741-2 |access-date=6 April 2009 |pages= 58ff, esp. 188}}
• {{Cite book |last=Veronico |first=Nick |title=21st Century U.S. Air Power |publisher=Zenith Imprint |year= 2004 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3zz3KLbOvYUC&pg=PA75 |isbn=0-7603-2014-4 |access-date= 6 April 2009 |pages= 75ff, esp. 176}}
• {{Cite web |publisher= Project CHECO |via= Scribd |url= https://www.scribd.com/doc/114185246/Fixed-Wing-Gunships-in-Southeast-Asia |title=Contemporary Historical Evaluation of Combat Operations: Fixed Wing Gunships in Southeast Asia |access-date= 22 November 2012}}

{{Refend}}

{{Commons category|Lockheed AC-130 Spectre}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070127200630/http://www.spectre-association.org/history/historySpectre.htm "Gunship History"], Spectre Association.
• [https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7608428 "Powerful Gunships Prowl Iraq, and Limits Show"] on NPR from All Things Considered.
• {{Cite video |people= U.S. Air Force |year= 2002 |title= AC-130 Attack video with explicit kills (thermal imagery from targeting camera) |url= https://archive.org/details/AC-130_Gunship_Ops_in_Afghanistan_HighResolution |publisher= Internet Archive |access-date= 3 April 2009 |time= 9 minutes |medium= 160 MB}}
• {{Citation |url= http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2009/July%202009/0709gunship.aspx |archive-url= https://archive.today/20120717023811/http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/2009/July%202009/0709gunship.aspx |url-status= usurped |archive-date= 17 July 2012 |title= Gunship Worries |newspaper= Air Force magazine |date=July 2009}}.
• [https://www.scribd.com/doc/71361100 (1977) T.O. 1C-130(A)A-1 Flight Manual USAF Series AC-130A Airplane (Part 1)]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot= InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}, [https://www.scribd.com/doc/71362234 (Part 2)]{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}

{{Lockheed Hercules}}

{{Lockheed Martin aircraft}}

{{USAF attack aircraft}}

{{USAF transports}}

{{PAVE US}}

{{USAF system codes}}

C-130, A

C-130, A

Category:1960s United States attack aircraft

Category:Four-engined tractor aircraft

Category:High-wing aircraft

Category:Four-engined turboprop aircraft

Category:Aircraft artillery

Category:Gunships

AC-130

Category:Aircraft first flown in 1966

Category:Military equipment of the Vietnam War

Category:Aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear