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24/7 Wall St. Insights:
- The AC-130 gunship series dates back to the Vietnam War era
- One of the most notable armaments of Ghostrider is its 105mm howitzer, which is typically seen on ground artillery platforms
- Outside of the 105mm howitzer, Ghostrider can equip a variety of missiles like Hellfires or Griffins, precision-guided bombs, or even just the basic conventional drop bombs
- Also: Discover the next Nvidia
The AC-130 Ghostrider is a force to be reckoned with in the U.S. Air Force's arsenal. As one of the most heavily armed aircraft ever, this gunship is designed to deliver massive firepower, precision strikes, and close air support. It comes from the long-standing AC-130 series, which have been supporting U.S. ground forces for decades.
The AC-130 series has a storied history, since its introduction in the 1960s dating back the Vietnam War era. The original AC-130 gunship variation was known as the "Spectre" and it was designed to provide close-air support for troops on the ground. Over the years, it has seen numerous upgrades, including the development of the "Stinger" and "Spooky" variants. It should be noted that all of the AC-130 variants come from the original C-130 Hercules line in the 1950s. ( The gatling guns on this aircraft dominated the skies of Vietnam. )
The introduction of the AC-130J Ghostrider in the 2010s really changed the game for this gunship series. The newest model is lighter and faster while featuring advanced avionics, making it one of the most lethal AC-130s.
At the heart of the AC-130 Ghostrider’s lethality is its formidable armament. Each of these aircraft come standard with a 30mm ATK GAU-23 automatic cannon and they can equip a wide variety of other weapons.
Most notably in Ghostrider's arsenal is its 105mm howitzer, which is typically seen on ground artillery platforms. This big gun delivers serious firepower with pinpoint accuracy from far above the battlefield, giving it an incredible tactical advantage.
Outside of the 105mm howitzer, Ghostrider can equip a variety of missiles like Hellfires or Griffins, precision-guided bombs, or even just the basic conventional drop bombs.
With all these weapons in tow, the AC-130 Ghostrider is one of the most heavily armed aircraft in the U.S. Air Force. However, it is not the only one. Other aircraft like the F-22 Raptor or new F-35 Lightning II are also fronting serious firepower as well. (These are the oldest and most cutting-edge stealth aircraft flown today. )
24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the U.S. Air Force arsenal and which aircraft are packing the most heat. To identify the most heavily armed aircraft in the U.S. Air Force, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry publication. We ordered these aircraft by their armament, and excluded those without. We also included supplemental data on the type of aircraft, top speed and more. We excluded trainer aircraft.
Here is a look at the most heavily armed aircraft in the U.S. Air Force: Why Are We Covering This?
Understanding the aircraft in the US Air Force is important because these aircraft play a pivotal role in maintaining national security and global stability. Each aircraft is designed for specific missions, from air superiority to strategic bombing and reconnaissance, which are essential for defending the country and projecting power abroad. Also knowing which aircraft are in service give context to military capabilities and a better understanding of national defense.
17. Leonardo AW139 
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