Worlds most heavily armed aircraft: The AC-130J Ghost Rider

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Naming it “Ghostrider” is a bold move

Lockheed’s AC-130J Ghostrider might just be the world’s most heavily armed aircraft. One of the aircraft’s best features is its ability to carry a wide array of ground-attack weapons integrated with sophisticated sensors, navigation, and fire control systems.

Four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprop engines power the Ghostrider. Each of these can produce 4,700 shaft horsepower – 18,800 shp altogether. This allows the aircraft to reach 416 mph at an altitude of 28,000 ft.

For armament, the AC-130J is fitted with a 30 mm GAU-23 cannon and a massive 105 mm Howitzer. Additionally, its Precision Strike Package also comes equipped with Standoff Precision-Guided Munitions such as the GBU-39, Hellfire, and Griffin missiles.

Because of these, the Ghostrider’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance.