AC-130J Ghostrider
USAF to Bring the big guns to woha 2022!
the ac-130J ghostrider gunship will be on display
The U.S. Air Force’s “ultimate battle plane” will be at this year’s Wings Over Houston Airshow October 29th and 30th. The AC-130J Ghostrider is the most powerful Gunship in the entire U.S. military. Designed specifically to provide close air support to troops on the ground, this plane is sure to impress you with both its size and strength.
We can’t wait to for you to see it at Ellington! But in the meantime, check out this incredible video of our friend Sam Eckholm who got to experience what is what like to fire the weapons that make this Gunship the most lethal in the world.
What it’s like to fire the AC-130 Gunship – Sam Eckholm:
More about the AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship
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. In South America, Africa, Europe and throughout the Middle East, gunships have significantly contributed to mission success.
Stats on the AC-130J Ghostrider Gunship:
- Contractor: Lockheed Martin
- Power Plant: Four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 Turboprops
- Thrust: 4,700 shaft horsepower per engine
- Speed: 362 knots
- Ceiling: 28,000 feet
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 164,000 lbs
- Range: 3,000 miles; limited by crew duty day with air refueling
- Wingspan: 132 feet 7 inches (39.7 meters)
- Length: 97 feet 9 inches (29.3 meters)
- Height: 39 feet 2 inches (11.9 meters)
- Crew: Two pilots, one combat systems officers, one weapon system operator, one sensor operator and four special mission aviators
- Armament: Precision Strike Package with 30mm and 105mm cannons and Standoff Precision Guided Munitions (i.e. GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb, GBU-69 Small Glide Munition, AGM-114 Hellfire missile and AGM-176 Griffin missile)
Information Sources:
- YouTube (Sam Eckholm): https://youtu.be/TO-qE3c2VsE
- https://www.hurlburt.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Fact-Sheets/Article/2559099/ac-130j-ghostrider/
GET YOUR WINGS OVER HOUSTON TICKETS!
Our goal is to provide you the best air show experience possible at a range of price points. Ticket types include everything from an affordable day of aviation thrills for the whole family to an premium air show experience. There’s something for everyone!
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Please note: All sales are final and no refunds can be offered.
A Note on Performers:
Aircraft and performers are subject to change without notice, due to operational considerations. If anything changes, we will do our best to let you know. Thank you!
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