The US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC) are testing the waters to bring Starlink connectivity to the AC-130J Ghostrider gunship.
The commands recently issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking solutions to adapt this high-speed, beyond-line-of-sight capability for the rigors of special operations flight.
The system must be rugged enough to survive the full flight envelope and harsh global conditions, while offering roll-on/roll-off flexibility.
It also needs to be lightweight and portable enough to move between C-130 variants, minimize size, weight, and power, and maintain high-performance connectivity.
Open-source architecture is required to ensure seamless integration into the evolving digital ecosystem of the USSOCOM.
If implemented, Starlink could transform the Ghostrider from a traditional gunship into a fully networked operations hub, boosting situational awareness, real-time data sharing, and global reach.
Inside the Ghostrider
Built on the C‑130J Super Hercules airframe, the Ghostrider is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 turboprops, each delivering 4,700 shaft horsepower.
With a range of 3,000 miles (4,830 kilometers), it can operate across extended theaters, limited mainly by crew duty requirements.
The aircraft has a wingspan of 132 feet (40 meters), a length of 97 feet (30 meters), and a maximum takeoff weight of 164,000 pounds (74,389 kilograms).
Armament includes a 30mm GAU‑23/A autocannon, a 105mm cannon, and precision munitions such as GBU‑39 Small Diameter Bombs and AGM‑114 Hellfire missiles.
The Ghostrider is also being prepared for potential integration of directed-energy weapons, expanding its capability against emerging threats.
