AC/MC-130J

Abstract

The AC/MC-130J project funds core SOF-unique modifications to replace aging/retired AC-130H Spectre, AC-130W Stinger II, AC-130U Spooky, MC-130E Combat Talon I, MC-130P Combat Shadow, MC-130H Combat Talon II aircraft. The 8 AC-130H Spectre, 12 AC-130W Stinger II and 17 AC-130U Spooky airframes will be replaced with MC-130J aircraft modified with the PSP to achieve the AC-130J configuration. The AC-130J aircraft will provide close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance capability. The 14 MC-130E Talon I, 23 MC-130P Combat Shadow, and 20 MC-130H Talon II airframes will be replaced by MC-130J Commando II aircraft with SOF mission modifications. The MC-130J Commando II aircraft perform clandestine or low visibility, single or multi-ship low-level missions intruding politically-sensitive or hostile territories; provide air refueling for special operations helicopters and CV-22 aircraft; and airdrop of leaflets, insert small special operations teams, resupply bundles and combat rubber raiding craft. The Air Force procures and fields the basic aircraft, common support equipment, and trainers for USSOCOM. An incremental upgrade approach will be used to integrate SOF capabilities onto the aircraft and training systems. SOF capabilities include, but are not limited to, Airborne Mission Networking, data fusion, threat detection and avoidance, integrated terrain following/terrain avoidance, electronic warfare, and embedded training. Integrating and automating SOF mission systems that deliver these capabilities is critical to fielding SOF-capable AC/MC-130J aircraft to recapitalize Air Force Special Operations Command’s legacy C-130 fleet.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2019
• Source ID: S875_1160403BB_7_0400_PB_2019

Tags

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering

Technology Areas

• Fully Networked C3
• Microelectronics