Unveiling the Secrets of the AC-130J: The Warplane with the World’s Largest Howitzer

The Secrets of the AC-130J Ghostrider: Unveiled

The AC-130J Ghostrider, a flagship aircraft of the U.S.
Air Force, has always been shrouded in mystery.
Recently, CNN journalists were granted a rare opportunity to explore the inner workings of what is often referred to as the “Angel of Death.”

This exclusive access comes at a time of heightened global tensions, with conflicts brewing between NATO and Russia, and increasing complexities not only in the Middle East but also in the Korean and Taiwan Straits.

Advanced Capabilities

The AC-130J Ghostrider has made multiple passes over South Korean skies, a staunch U.S.
ally.
Boasting the ability to detect objects up to 10 miles away, this aircraft can almost peer into high-rise windows with its powerful cameras.

Equipped with the largest gun ever mounted on a fixed-wing aircraft, the AC-130J serves as a clear warning to North Korea.
In light of recent provocations – including the release of balloons filled with waste towards Seoul and military exercises with missile tests – the message is unmistakable.

Deployment and Significance

Captain John Ikenberry emphasized that the AC-130J’s presence during South Korean exercises signals preparedness.
This stance is a pointed message to North Korea and its leader, Kim Jong-un.

The AC-130J Ghostrider, developed by Lockheed Martin, is designed for close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance.
It represents the fifth generation of gunships, replacing the aging AC-130U/W fleet.

With 37 units currently in operation since 2019, each aircraft comes with a hefty price tag of $165 million, courtesy of American taxpayers.

Impressive Firepower

What sets the AC-130J Ghostrider apart is its howitzer, capable of firing 43-pound projectiles at a range.
During a training exercise east of Seoul, the force of each shot was so immense that it shifted the 80-ton aircraft’s tail two meters to the right.

Reports from CNN detail the aftermath of the firing, with projectiles hitting a target 10,000 feet away, generating a smoke cloud as gunners monitored the results on large video screens inside the aircraft.
In a real scenario, two tanks would have been obliterated by this display of power.

Geopolitical Implications

North Korea denounced the exercises held between late June and early July as a “blatant and unjustifiable provocation.” Kim Jong-un’s recent military pact with Vladimir Putin, including potential North Korean troops’ involvement in Ukraine, has stirred tensions further.

In response, the U.S.
deployed the AC-130J Ghostrider, showcasing its commitment to defending Seoul from any potential ground conflict on the peninsula.