Attack Aircraft
Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider
The Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider is a heavily armed gunship converted from the MC-130J Commando II, in US Air Force Special Operations Command service since 2017. It carries a 30 mm cannon and a 105 mm howitzer and is flown only by the US.
United States|Lockheed MartinWhat Is the Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider? Overview, History and Development
The AC-130J is a conversion of the MC-130J by Lockheed Martin and AFSOC. The prototype first flew on 31 January 2014, and initial operating capability came in September 2017. It replaces the AC-130H, U and W. Four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops of about 4,700 shp each give a cruise speed of about 590 km/h and a range of about 5,500 km. Armament includes a 30 mm GAU-23/A cannon, a 105 mm M102 howitzer, AGM-176 Griffin, AGM-114 Hellfire and GBU-39 bombs.
The USAF plans 32 AC-130Js, and about 30 or more had been delivered by 2025. Only the US operates it, with no export. A crew of seven flies it, and it has supported special forces in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Somalia and Libya. Strike reports are US DoD statements. The conversion package costs about US$160 million, an estimate. Experimental upgrades test a high-energy laser and Stand-In Attack Weapon missiles. It is not stealthy and operates in permissive airspace.
Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider Specifications: Speed, Range, Engines and Armament
Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider Variants and Versions Compared
The AC-130J is the current gunship version, converted from the MC-130J.
The MC-130J is the special-operations transport that serves as the AC-130J’s parent aircraft.
The AC-130W is the earlier gunship that the AC-130J is replacing.
Which Countries Use the Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider? Operators and Users
United StatesLockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does an AC-130J Ghostrider cost?
An AC-130J Ghostrider conversion costs about US$160 million per aircraft, according to estimates. That figure covers the conversion package. The aircraft is converted from the MC-130J, and the figure covers the gunship package, including weapons and sensors.
What weapons does the AC-130J carry?
The Lockheed Martin AC-130J Ghostrider carries a 30 mm GAU-23/A cannon and a 105 mm M102 howitzer. It also carries AGM-176 Griffin, AGM-114 Hellfire and GBU-39 small diameter bombs.
Which countries use the AC-130J?
Only the United States operates the AC-130J Ghostrider, through the US Air Force. There are no exports. The aircraft are flown by the 1st and 27th Special Operations Wings, and the gunship has not been offered for export.
How many AC-130J have been built?
About 30 or more AC-130Js had been delivered by 2025, with the USAF planning 32. The aircraft are conversions of the MC-130J.
Is the AC-130J stealth?
No, the AC-130J Ghostrider is not stealthy and is vulnerable to air defences. It operates in permissive airspace, as in Syria. It flies slowly and low in a banking orbit to fire its side-mounted weapons, so it needs air cover or an environment without strong air defences.
Does Türkiye or any Arab country use gunships like the AC-130J?
No, neither Türkiye nor any Arab country operates a gunship of this type. Türkiye uses the CN-235 and A400M for transport. Armed drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper and Bayraktar Akıncı now take over parts of the role in some countries.