Some within Air Force Special Operations Command, which is part of SOCOM, are skeptical of the weapon. Now SOCOM wants to develop a “Stand-Off Precision Guided Weapon” that the AC-130 can fire from long distances, allowing it to strike targets while staying out of the reach of enemy fire.Īccording to a recent solicitation, the command is looking for a cruise missile with a range of at least 230 miles and up to 460 miles with a warhead of at least 13 pounds but potentially up to 37 pounds.Ĭruise missiles are subsonic munition that fly at low altitudes, making them harder to detect, but SOCOM is also wants it to have electronic systems that enable it to acquire and reacquire targets after it has been fired.

Historically, the AC-130 has operated almost exclusively at night to enhance its strengths and compensate for its vulnerabilities. But that ability to stay on station for long periods is also one of the aircraft’s main downsides, as it’s relatively slow and vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire. It can stay over targets for very long periods and dish out incredible firepower. The AC-130 is an ideal close-air-support platform.

Call of duty ac 130