The AC-130W is a gunship-modified C-130H optimized for CAS, interdiction, armed reconnaissance, convoy escort, strike coordination, overwatch, and point defense. AC-130Ws also provide strike coordination, nontraditional ISR, and C2.
PSP mod includes a mission management console, communications suite, and flight-deck hardware. Airframes are significantly modified with improved navigation, threat detection, countermeasures, comms, and a standoff Precision Strike Package.
The aircraft is entirely distinct from the retired AC-130H Spectre and AC-130U Spooky. The airframes were originally converted as MC-130W Combat Spear for SOF infiltration/exfiltration and in-flight refueling and redesignated Dragon Spear with the addition of the roll on/roll off PSP in 2010.
The aircraft was rebranded AC-130W Stinger II after further enhancements in 2012. AC-130J will eventually replace the AC-130W fleet, which averages more than 26 years old. Upgrades include Enhanced Situational Awareness (ESA) for near real-time intel and data fusion including threat detection, avoidance, geolocation, and adversary-emitter identification, IR suppression, and the 105 mm gun (in common with the AC-130U/J).
An AC-130W showcased the type’s ability to conduct maritime strike/ overwatch in a live-fire demo with Navy air and surface assets operating in the Persian Gulf in 2020. AFSOC plans to retire the fleet by 2023 and four airframes are slated for retirement in FY21.
Contractor: Lockheed Martin.
First Flight: Circa 2006 (Combat Spear).
Delivered: November 2010 (Dragon Spear).
IOC: 2010 (Dragon Spear).
Production: 12 (converted).
Inventory: 10.
Operator: AFSOC
Aircraft Location: Cannon AFB, N.M.
Active Variant: •AC-130W Stinger II. Converted MC-130W armed with PSP and PGMs.
Dimensions: Span 132.6 ft, length 98.8 ft, height 38.5 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 155,000 lb.
Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprops, each 4,910 shp.
Performance: Speed 300 mph, range 2,875 miles.
Ceiling: 28,000 ft.
Armament: 105 mm cannon, 30 mm GAU-23/A Bushmaster II chain gun; PGMs, incl GBU- 39 SDB, GBU-69B Small Glide Munition, and AGM-176A Griffin.
Accommodation: Two pilots, two CSOs, flight engineer, two special mission aviators.