New weapons systems for the AC-130

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The US Air Force contracted Sierra Nevada Corp. $317 million for the Precision Strike Package program. The Precision Strike Package is a modular kit developed in order to provide close air support, armed reconnaissance, and armed over-watch capability for Special Operations Forces C-130s. The system consists of precision guided munitions, a medium-caliber gun, electro-optical/infrared sensors, special operations forces-specific communications equipment, and an integrated fire control and mission management system. The deal specifically provides contractor logistics support for the Precision Strike Package in support of the AC-130W and AC-130J. The AC-130 gunship is a heavily armed, long-endurance ground attack variant of the C-130 Hercules transport fixed wing aircraft. The AC-130W Stinger, formerly known as the MC-130W Dragon Spear is a modified C-130H used by the Air Force for close air support, air interdiction and force protection. The AC-130J Ghostrider is a modified version of the MC-130J aircraft and is supposed to replace the legacy AC-130H/U aircraft of the US Air Force. Lockheed Martin will deliver 37 AC-130J Ghostrider aircraft to the Air Force Special Operations Command by 2025. Sierra Nevada will perform work for the Precision Strike Package program at Cannon Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field and expects completion by September 30, 2026.