AC-130U Aircraft

Full Specifications

AC-130U Spooky Gunship

The AC-130U Spooky II is a heavily armed ground-attack aircraft derived from the C-130 Hercules transport plane. Developed to provide precise, sustained firepower in support of ground troops, this gunship excels in close air support (CAS), air interdiction, and force protection missions. First introduced in 1995, the AC-130U represented a significant upgrade over earlier models, incorporating advanced sensors, fire control systems, and increased ammunition capacity. Its side-firing configuration allows it to circle targets at low altitudes, delivering accurate strikes day or night, even in adverse weather. Primarily used by U.S. Special Operations Forces, the AC-130U has been deployed in conflicts like Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, where its ability to loiter for hours and engage multiple targets simultaneously proved invaluable. Equipped with a 25mm Gatling gun, 40mm cannon, and 105mm howitzer, it combines overwhelming firepower with sophisticated avionics for surgical precision. Despite its retirement in 2020, the AC-130U’s legacy endures in modern variants like the AC-130J Ghostrider.

Manufacturer

Built on the Lockheed C-130H airframe, the AC-130U was modified by Boeing (formerly Rockwell) to integrate gunship capabilities. Lockheed Martin handled the base aircraft production, while Boeing managed the weapons, sensors, and fire control integrations. This collaboration ensured the platform’s robustness, drawing from the proven Hercules design used extensively by the U.S. military since the 1950s.

Speed and Range

The AC-130U achieves a maximum speed of 300 mph (Mach 0.4) at sea level, powered by four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines. Its cruise speed supports extended loiter times over targets. The aircraft’s range is approximately 1,300 nautical miles without refueling, but aerial refueling extends this indefinitely, limited only by crew endurance. This capability allows for long-duration missions, often exceeding seven hours, making it ideal for persistent surveillance and support in remote operational areas.

AC-130U Spooky Gunship Price

The unit cost of the AC-130U is approximately $210 million, reflecting its advanced modifications, including precision weaponry and sensor suites. This price tag encompasses the base C-130 airframe conversion, armament installation, and avionics upgrades. For U.S. defense budgets, it represented a high-value investment in special operations, though costs could vary with inflation and specific configurations.

The AC-130U’s operational prowess stems from its all-weather, day-night targeting systems, including infrared and low-light TV sensors, enabling strikes with minimal collateral damage. In urban environments, its ability to engage two targets at once with varying ordnance levels minimized risks to friendly forces. However, its large size and low-altitude operations made it vulnerable to anti-aircraft threats, necessitating escort or nighttime use. Post-retirement, lessons from the AC-130U inform next-generation gunships, emphasizing endurance and firepower for asymmetric warfare.