AC-130W gunships have since been employed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. It took less than 18 months from the first flight of a prototype modified aircraft to deployment to Operation New Dawn. USSOCOM used proven rapid acquisition principles and combat-proven technology to field the Precision Strike Package on the AC-130W Stinger II. The AC-130W Stinger II Project was developed to increase the precision fire capacity available for overseas contingency operations. In May 2012, the MC-130W Dragon Spear was renamed the AC-130W Stinger II. The commander's intent was not to replace current AC-130s, but rather to augment existing combat capability. In July 2007, the USSOCOM commander declared the need to grow the gunship fleet. Special Operations Command and Special Operations Forces fire support requirements. Lessons learned from overseas contingency operations have modified the near-term needs of U.S. The mission management system fuses sensor, communication, environment, order of battle and threat information into a common operating picture. Modifications to the AC-130W include a mission management console, robust communications suite, two electro-optical/infrared sensors, and synthetic aperture radar, advanced fire control equipment, precision guided munitions delivery capability as well as trainable 30mm and 105mm weapons. AC-130 Spectre gunship, the byproduct of Project Gunship II 1. Thus came the beginning of the AC-130’s prolific lifespan, that continues on to the present day. So much so that the Air Force began forming squadrons of them. All AC-130W aircraft are modified with a precision strike package to perform the gunship mission. As a result, the AC-130 continued to prove its worth to U.S. The aircraft is a highly modified C-130H featuring improved navigation, threat detection, countermeasures and communication suites. The AC-130W Stinger II Precision Strike Package modification provides ground forces an expeditionary, persistent direct-fires platform that delivers precision low-yield munitions, ideally suited for close air support and urban operations. The story of Spirit 03, whilst sad, was also one of heroism the kind you'd find in the US Air Force Special Operations Command community. The basic airframe is manufactured by Lockheed, Boeing is responsible for the conversion into a gunship and for aircraft support. It was the call sign of the last AC-130 gunship shot down in combat. The Lockheed AC-130 Spectre is a heavily-armed ground-attack aircraft based on the Hercules C-130 created to replace the AC-47 Spooky. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity and include strike coordination and reconnaissance. Spirit 03 is a revered name in the AFSOC community, often spoken of in hushed and pained tones. ![]() Close air support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point air defense. The AC-130W Stinger II primary missions are close air support and air interdiction.
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