/reeve.gif)
Quite an interesting feature, some snippets...
The U.S. Air Force’s newest AC-130J Ghostrider gunships will enter service later than expected because of plans to load extra weapons on the four-engine planes. But the Pentagon’s top weapons tester is even more worried that other nagging problems could hold up the aircraft.
In 2014, crews had trouble picking out targets because the two prototypes were shaking so much in the air, according to the latest annual report from the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation.
On top of that, one of the aircraft had a mid-air accident that completely shut down test flights.
For one, the AC-130J apparently vibrates much more than the previous AC-130W Stinger II aircraft. Crews had serious trouble focusing powerful sensors and pointing laser designators at targets.
In a fight, this could mean the difference between shooting an enemy or hitting friendly troops nearby.
The flying branch already plans to “buy back” two of the older AC-130U Spooky IIs in the next budget request—which have the valuable howitzer—to help avoid any shortfalls, Heithold said.