The GAU-23 cannon is an improved variant of the combat-proven ATK Mk 44 Bushmaster gun system. The gunship is armed with a 30mm GAU-23 Bushmaster automatic cannon, a 105mm M102 gun, Raytheon’s AGM-176A Griffin missiles and stand-off precision-guided munitions such as GBU-44/B Viper Strike. The persistent direct-fire platform allows the crew to deploy precision low-yield munitions during close-air support and urban missions. The unit features standard NVG compatibility to deliver superior full-colour display switching. Scorpion ensures accurate vision to enable the pilots to maintain situational awareness in harsh environments. The cockpit is equipped with Thales’ Scorpion full-colour helmet mounted cueing system (HMCS). The gunship is manned by seven crew members including two pilots, two combat system officers, a flight engineer, and two special mission aviators. It has a wingspan of 40.4m and maximum take-off weight of 70.3t. The fixed-wing aircraft measures 29.8m long and 11.7m high. It features a precision strike package, transforming it into a gunship. The modified AC-130W platform is based on the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. The USAF’s AC-130W gunships conducted a first-of-its-kind joint exercise with the US Navy Cyclone-class patrol coastal ships and P-8A Poseidon maritime multi-mission aircraft (MMA), in March 2020. The gunships were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Inherent Resolve.
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