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AC-XX Gunship Lite Prototype: A C-27J “Baby Spooky”

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  • AC-XX Gunship Lite Prototype: A C-27J “Baby Spooky”

    AC-XX Gunship Lite Prototype: A C-27J “Baby Spooky”



    Aviation Week’s aerospace daily and defense report notes that the Pentagon’s 2008 budget reprogramming request includes $32 million from Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), in order to buy a C-27J and convert it into a small prototype AC-XX gunship, using “proven/known” weapons and systems. Additions are certain to include defensive systems, electro-optical surveillance and targeting turrets, flight and/or ground surveillance radars, weapons, and computerized control systems. Based on known airframe and conversion costs for the C-27J and other platforms, further funding for the AC-XX effort will almost certainly be required in FY 2010.

    AFSOC has become concerned about its AC-130 gunships’ long-term survivability, and is investigating a number of options [PDF format] including smaller aircraft and even stealth designs. The C-27J is certainly smaller, and an AC-27J would trade less firepower for the ability to operate from smaller airstrips closer to the action. It can also serve as a systems integration platform to help define the current state of the art, without sidelining in-demand AC-130s for a long refit period.

    All of which may help to explain why AFSOC, who fields the $100+ million AC-130H/U gunships based on the larger C-130 Hercules tactical transport, also wants $11.5 million to execute an AC-XX feasibility study and engineering analyses. Overall:

    “This prototype will serve as a risk mitigation effort to field a new platform to operate in austere locations, with increased operational flexibility and a smaller support tail of manpower and logistics.”
    I really like this, could turn into a really nice, but above all cheap tool.

  • #2
    Said it before, I'll say it again:

    AC-17, with M-777 and GAU-8, plus 50mm Bushmaster for good measure. Nothing less will do.

    MOOOOOAAAR FIREPOWAAAAR!!!!!!
    HD Ready?

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    • #3
      And I keep on saying, arm it with rail guns.

      Comment


      • #4
        Originally posted by HistoricalDavid View Post
        Said it before, I'll say it again:

        AC-17, with M-777 and GAU-8, plus 50mm Bushmaster for good measure. Nothing less will do.

        MOOOOOAAAR FIREPOWAAAAR!!!!!!
        Remind me, how much does a basic C-17 cost?
        Now add on conversion costs, and trials. Not even the US can afford to do that.
        Semper in excretum. Solum profunda variat.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by HistoricalDavid View Post
          Said it before, I'll say it again:

          AC-17, with M-777 and GAU-8, plus 50mm Bushmaster for good measure. Nothing less will do.

          MOOOOOAAAR FIREPOWAAAAR!!!!!!
          You want more firepower? AC47's with davy crocketts that is more firepower!

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          • #6
            I don't think this is a bad concept; certainly there are not enough AC-130 out there, and a smaller supplemental platform (maybe w/o the 105) might be an option for supporting conventional units in an expeditionary/COIN role.

            I wonder if we could come up with a carrier-decked version (again, probably without the 105) based on the C-2 or P-3? That's just me talking crazy, of course, but as an Infantryman I like having support close and potent.

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            • #7
              for carrier what about a V-22 osprey? or even in theater and osprey gunship?

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              • #8
                I like the idea... I'm not sure how workable it is, but it might be great. I didn't even think of the V-22 when I was pulling the last idea out of my fourth point of contact.

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                • #9
                  How about a AC-5 ?

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