Super Spook gets a new set of eyes

The earlier version of the current AC-130 made a name for itself in Vietnam and has also been deployed with success (although at least two have recently been lost) in Somalia, Iraq, Bosnia, and most recently Afghanistan and Iraq. The AC-130 enters the fray after initial carpet bombing raids deplete surface-to-air defences.

Lockheed Martin has now received a US$10.7 million contract from Boeing Integrated Defence Systems (IDS) to provide the Gunship Multispectral Sensor System (GMS2) for the AC-130U. The initial contract is for the system's development phase with production options that could result in a total program value of $35 million.

GMS2 will serve as the multi-spectral sensor for the four new AC-130U Gunships being procured by the Air Force, and replaces the All Light Level TV (ALLTV) sensor currently on the AC-130U. GMS2 integrates third-generation infrared sensing technology with image intensified low-light TV cameras and a suite of lasers to enable the AC-130U to perform its Gunship missions with far greater effectiveness. Boeing IDS is the prime contractor for the AC-130U upgrade program.

The Lockheed Martin GMS2 is a variant of the Hawkeye Target Sight System, which is now in flight testing on the U.S. Marine Corps' AH-1Z Cobra attack helicopter.

"Recent GMS2 sensor tests conducted at the White Sands Missile Range demonstrated the suitability of our system to fulfil the mission requirements of the AC-130U," said John Curry, Lockheed Martin GMS2 program manager. "We believe that what our customer witnessed, in terms of our performance, was key to helping us win the competition."

"Selection of a Hawkeye variant by Boeing and the Air Force for GMS2 validates our commitment to providing the most advanced sensor capabilities available for meeting our customer's needs," said Tom Simmons, vice president, Fire Control line of business, at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Lockheed Martin will build and deliver five systems plus spares under the GMS2 contract as well as provide integration support and product support services to Boeing. The contract will be completed by the Q3 of 2006.

Specs: AC-130H Spectre AC-130U Spooky Primary Function: Close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance Contractor: Lockheed Aircraft Corp. Power Plant: Four Allison turboprop engines T56-A-15 Thrust: Each engine 4,910 horsepower Length: 97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters) Height: 38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters) Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms) Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters) Range: 1,500 statute miles (1,300 nautical miles) Unlimited with air refuelling 2,200 nautical miles Unlimited with air refuelling Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,576 meters) 30,000 ft. Speed: 300 mph (Mach 0.40) (at sea level) Armament: two M61 20mm Vulcan cannons with 3,000 rounds one L60 40mm Bofors cannon with 256 rounds one M102 105mm howitzer with 100 rounds One 25mm GAU-12 Gatling gun (1,800 rounds per minute) one L60 40mm Bofors cannon (100 shots per minute) one M102 105mm cannon(6-10 rounds per minute)* Countermeasures AN/AAQ-24 Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM)* AN/AAR-44 infrared warning receiver* AN/AAR-47 missile warning system* AN/ALE-47 flare and chaff dispensing system* AN/ALQ-172 Electronic Countermeasure System* AN/ALQ-196 Jammer* AN/ALR-69 radar warning receiver* AN/APR-46A panoramic RF receiver* QRC-84-02 infrared countermeasures system Crew: 14 -- five officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer); nine enlisted (flight engineer, loadmaster, low-light TV operator, infrared detection set operator, five aerial gunners) 13 total. Five officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer); 8 enlisted (flight engineer, All Light Level TV operator, infrared- detection set operator, four airborne gunners, loadmaster) Unit Cost: US$72 million