Air Force Special Operations Command's next generation gunship, the AC-130J Ghostrider, has had a turbulent year of testing but is nonetheless making steady progress toward initial operational testing and evaluation this fall. AFSOC plans to purchase and convert 37 C-130 airframes to the AC-130J configuration as part of its $2.4 billion program to replace its legacy AC-130U/W gunship fleets. The aircraft will allow AFSOC and the Air Force to continue to address evolving operational needs. The first Ghostrider prototype was delivered to Eglin AFB, Fla., last year to conduct developmental testing. As of early August, the aircraft had been grounded at Eglin since April while a mishap investigation took place. Meanwhile, a second aircraft is busy spinning up for IOT&E at neighboring Hurlburt Field.
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