Leidos, a US defense company, is gearing up to change the AC-130J gunship into a fierce precision strike platform ready to face advanced adversaries like China with its Black Arrow missile, a dynamic, long-range weapon that promises to revolutionize United airpower.
Following successful non-firing tests in December 2023, Leidos is scheduled to conduct its Black Arrow missile test firing from a US Special Operations Command ( SOCOM) AC-130J gunship this fall.
Defense One says that the Black Arrow, a little air-to-ground cruise missile, aims to meet SOCOM’s 2021 need for a missile capable of flying 400 coastal yards and hitting targets without GPS.
The statement notes that Leidos, usually known for weapons components, utilized digital technologies and compact design to quicken the rocket’s development.
It says the company used high-data modeling and digital twinning to simulate millions of trajectories, ensuring the missile’s compatibility with the AC-130 and the Naval Surface Warfare Center ( NSWC ) Battle Management System.
Defense One says the rocket’s layout allows quick integration with different platforms, including the MQ-9 aircraft and carry aircraft like the C-130. The statement says this freedom may gain companion militaries , seeking cost-effective weapon solutions.
Leidos ‘ approach, facilitated by a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement ( CRADA ) with SOCOM, highlights a shift towards faster, more affordable missile development, potentially transforming the landscape for US and allied forces.
For combat operations in liberal airport, the AC-130 and its forebears were made. The AC-130 is ineffective to combat a near-peer attack conflict with China because the US is now shifting its proper focus to the great Pacific islands.
According to an Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative ( AMTI ) map, China has stationed surface-to-air missile ( SAM ) systems on Woody Island, Fiery Cross Reef, Subi Reef and Mischief Reef in the South China Sea. The main air defense deployed on the held features is the HQ-9 SAM, according to the image.
According to the Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance ( MDAA ), most land-based HQ-9 variants can hit targets 200 kilometers away, with a claimed 90 % single-shot kill capability against aircraft.
In an October 2021 essay for The National Interest, David Axe claimed that Taiwan’s combat aircraft could be shot down by China’s Russian-made S-400 SAM techniques as soon as they take off.
Given the threat of powerful Chinese heat defenses, The War Zone mentioned in August 2024 that the AC-130 ships may need to move away from its traditional direct-fire role , and use long-range conflict armaments as a “bomb truck”, such as cruise missiles and drone swarms, to be relevant.
The document says this development has already begun with the AC-130J Ghostrider, which features upgraded methods and new weapons, including Inferno weapons, Small-Diameter Bombs and , the Rapid Dragon palletized weapons.
The Asia Times noted in August 2023 that Rapid Dragon allows the US to launch long-distance problems without the need for fighter jets or planes, which may be in short supply.
A palletized version of the Rapid Dragon can carry nine Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles ( JASSM) for C-130s and six for the C-17. Because targeting information is programmed into the weapons using a laptop, it is intended to be quickly deployed without altering the launch plane.
It addresses the issues with software connectivity, availability, and capacity that are frequently encountered with air-launched cruise missiles like the JASSM, which was originally intended to be used on fighter jets or bombers.
It can also significantly improve reliability by firing a number of rockets from a single launcher. A surveillance weapon equipped with a high-resolution cameras can identify the enemy, followed by an electronic warfare missile to reduce enemy radar and other sensors , and, lastly, a high-explosive missile for devastating effect.
Rapid Dragon operators confirm or update the location’s routing coordinates before deploying a target, request a strike, and confirm the change. This makes it possible for air forces to bombard an area with numerous weapons, make targeted attacks harder, and use less air defense munitions. The system also helps US allies when there are limited aircraft availability, enabling new operational ideas.
As for the AC-130 launching swarming drones, Asia Times noted in May 2024 that drone swarms can perform surveillance, test or jam enemy air defenses, patrol areas of interest, launch swarm attacks and destroy enemy drones.
Additionally, multiple drones in a swarm with various sensors act as various nodes in an a , mesh network that can effectively track and target enemies using a variety of surveillance techniques.
However, according to The War Zone, the AC-130’s design and mission may need to undergo additional changes due to budget constraints and shifting military priorities. According to the report, the AC-130’s ability to contribute to upcoming conflicts will depend on how well it adapts to new mission demands, such as long-range precision strikes and support for agile combat operations in the Indo-Pacific theater.
The US is considering using the AC-130 in a number of other capacities, further reflecting the transition from long-running counterinsurgency operations in permissive airspace to near-peer great power conflicts.
Riley Feeney mentions that the AC-130J is being modified for roles like special operations forces ( SOF ) support, command and control, global firepower projection, and many other roles as the US military shifts focus on potential conflicts with peer competitors like China in an August 2023 Air University article.
Regarding the AC-130J providing SOF support, Feeney notes that with a shift away from direct-action raids, SOF units are being trained to operate with less support, including less air support.
As a result, he says the AC-130J is being considered for special reconnaissance, which involves clandestinely relaying critical information from forward SOF teams to command and control.
According to Feeney, the AC-130J is equipped with advanced communication systems and skilled aviators for command and control, making it a valuable asset during air warfare.
He points out that it has the potential to lead joint all-domain command and control ( JADC2 ) operations even in remote areas where other aircraft, such as the E-3 or E-8, might not be able to effectively operate, enhancing both command and control capabilities and delivering firepower.
Feeney claims that the Rapid Dragon concept allows for a worldwide firepower projection without the need for modifications to the aircraft and converts any cargo aircraft into a weapons platform.
He claims that it also allows for the global deployment of firepower when using traditional shooters in non-shooting roles, such as the AC-130J in command and control. He cites the US Air Force’s efforts to improve the AC-130J’s combat capabilities with better defensive systems and precision-guided weapons.
However, Feeney points out that the AC-130J upgrades focus on increasing lethality but may not fully align with the needs of the Joint Force in the US Indo-Pacific Command ( INDOPACOM) theater. He claims that to increase the relevance of the aircraft, technological investment and creative employment are necessary.