BAE Systems Ltd., based in Kent, United Kingdom, has been awarded a contract valued at $7,923,498 by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The contract includes the provision of heads-up displays (HUDs) for the AC-130J aircraft, as well as various support services such as repairs, training, equipping, and the initial setup of a repair facility.
The work will be performed at BAE Systems’ facilities in Kent, United Kingdom, and at Warner-Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. The contract is scheduled for completion by April 10, 2029.
The contracting activity is the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center /WIUKA, based at Warner-Robins AFB. The contract number is FA8509-24-D-0002.
The AC-130J Ghostrider’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance. Close air support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort, and point air defence. Air interdiction missions are conducted against pre-planned targets or targets of opportunity and include strike coordination and reconnaissance and overwatch mission sets.
The AC-130J provides ground forces an expeditionary, direct-fire platform that is persistent, ideally suited for urban operations, and delivers precision low-yield munitions against ground targets.
The AC-130J is a highly modified C-130J aircraft that contains many advanced features. It has an advanced two-pilot flight station with fully integrated digital avionics. The aircraft is capable of extremely accurate navigation due to fully integrated navigation systems with dual inertial navigation systems and a global positioning system. Aircraft defensive systems and colour weather radar are integrated as well.
Additionally, the AC-130J is modified with the Precision Strike Package, which includes a mission management console, robust communications suite, two electro-optical/infrared sensors, advanced fire control equipment, precision-guided munitions delivery capability, as well as trainable 30mm and 105mm weapons.
The AC-130J is the fifth-generation gunship replacing the aging fleet of AC-130U/W gunships. AC-130 gunships have an extensive combat history dating back to Vietnam, where gunships destroyed more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with many life-saving, close air support missions. Over the past four decades, AC-130s have deployed constantly to hotspots throughout the world in support of special operations and conventional forces.
I wonder if BAE could quietly lend a few to the RAF while they have them so the Paras can commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-day? Schapps says aircraft will be found. Funny how less than a year ago we didn’t need to find them because we had them. Still, never has the state of the world been better suited to binning off your military hardware.
Bravo. Though saying that, with the state of the world and the ops we are currently engaged in, D Day commemorations while a nice to do cannot get in the way of daily tasks. And do we really need to drop 450 Paras?
Wouldn’t a Dakota suffice or can we not use them for drops now?
Which is one more reason why getting rid of the Hercs was so utterly moronic, Atlas is rare, and in demand.
Agreed here in the UK we are the experts 🇬🇧 😞
Just a quick one, RIP Cdr Sharkey Ward. (Mr Sea Harrier) 801,809,892.sqdns. 👌BZ.
That’s very sad to hear a true top gun .Well sec that RIP ⚓ 🇬🇧
Seconded, and respect to all our veterans of the Falklands war and other conflicts.
Great to hear that our engineering design and build capability is in demand.
30/105mm is so last century. How about a DragonFire mid life update to enable drone swarm kills over contested spaces…
That would be decisive ground support if the war in Ukraine is modern warfare.
Surely USAF would like a better answer for the A-10 Thunderbolt replacement discussion. Not to mention successful directed energy weapons while USN is struggling..
Seconded by that Idea
they’ve been flying with and testing various lasers on them for over a decade.