The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will be upgrading its fleet of AC-130J Ghostrider and MC-130J Commando II aircraft with the addition of countermeasures systems against air and ground threats.
Last week, SOCOM awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) a $700,000,000 contract for the development and procurement of Radio Frequency Countermeasure (RFCM) systems. The RFCM system upgrades will enhance the aircraft’s ability to fend off enemy radar detection and missiles from both the air and land. The countermeasure systems, moreover, will help the aircraft identify threats more effectively and also bolster its geolocation capabilities.
The AC-130J Ghostrider and MC-130J Commando II are operated by the Air Force Special Operations Command. The former is primarily a close-air-support platform, whereas the latter is mainly an infiltration and air-refueling aircraft.
The AC-130L Ghostrider can also conduct air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. Aside from its clandestine infiltration and refueling capabilities, the MC-130J Commando II is sometimes deployed in support of psychological operations by airdropping leaflets. The aircraft platform has been used extensively in this role during the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria.
MC-130J Commando II in Africa (DVIDS).
In a press release, Bob Horky, the Senior Vice President for Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Aviation and Security business area said that “We are excited to expand our solutions for SOF warfighters. The aircraft they operate need the protection RFCM provides.”
In the same press release, SNC states that it’s approach to aircraft survivability relies on “full platform integration leveraging platform datalinks, integrated processing, and common tactical display systems.” To ensure peak performance, SNC used electromagnetic and aerodynamic modeling expertise.
SNC is going to intergrade Northrop Grumman’s RFCM system on the aircraft.
In addition to the actual systems, the contract includes RFCM system engineering services, logistics support, and spare parts. And it is a fixed-price-award-fee, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, time-and-materials and cost-reimbursement-no-fee contract.
The U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) will be upgrading its fleet of AC-130J Ghostrider and MC-130J Commando II aircraft with the addition of countermeasures systems against air and ground threats.
Last week, SOCOM awarded Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) a $700,000,000 contract for the development and procurement of Radio Frequency Countermeasure (RFCM) systems. The RFCM system upgrades will enhance the aircraft’s ability to fend off enemy radar detection and missiles from both the air and land. The countermeasure systems, moreover, will help the aircraft identify threats more effectively and also bolster its geolocation capabilities.
The AC-130J Ghostrider and MC-130J Commando II are operated by the Air Force Special Operations Command. The former is primarily a close-air-support platform, whereas the latter is mainly an infiltration and air-refueling aircraft.
The AC-130L Ghostrider can also conduct air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. Aside from its clandestine infiltration and refueling capabilities, the MC-130J Commando II is sometimes deployed in support of psychological operations by airdropping leaflets. The aircraft platform has been used extensively in this role during the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria.
MC-130J Commando II in Africa (DVIDS).
In a press release, Bob Horky, the Senior Vice President for Sierra Nevada Corporation’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, Aviation and Security business area said that “We are excited to expand our solutions for SOF warfighters. The aircraft they operate need the protection RFCM provides.”
In the same press release, SNC states that it’s approach to aircraft survivability relies on “full platform integration leveraging platform datalinks, integrated processing, and common tactical display systems.” To ensure peak performance, SNC used electromagnetic and aerodynamic modeling expertise.
SNC is going to intergrade Northrop Grumman’s RFCM system on the aircraft.
In addition to the actual systems, the contract includes RFCM system engineering services, logistics support, and spare parts. And it is a fixed-price-award-fee, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, time-and-materials and cost-reimbursement-no-fee contract.
In another press release, the Department of Defense (DoD) stated that the “contract is funded with research, development, test and evaluation appropriation for fiscal 2020; and procurement appropriation for fiscal 2018, 2019 and 2020. The under-secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment determined requirements of Title 10, U.S. Code 2371b (d) were met and approved the use of the authority of Section 2371b as essential to meet critical national security objectives. USSOCOM, Tampa, Florida, is the contracting activity.”
As someone who’s seen what happens when the truth is distorted, I know how unfair it feels when those who’ve sacrificed the most lose their voice. At SOFREP, our veteran journalists, who once fought for freedom, now fight to bring you unfiltered, real-world intel. But without your support, we risk losing this vital source of truth. By subscribing, you’re not just leveling the playing field—you’re standing with those who’ve already given so much, ensuring they continue to serve by delivering stories that matter. Every subscription means we can hire more veterans and keep their hard-earned knowledge in the fight. Don’t let their voices be silenced. Please consider subscribing now.
One team, one fight,
Brandon Webb former Navy SEAL, Bestselling Author and Editor-in-Chief
Barrett is the world leader in long-range, large-caliber, precision rifle design and manufacturing. Barrett products are used by civilians, sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the United States military, and more than 75 State Department-approved countries around the world.
PO Box 1077 MURFREESBORO, Tennessee 37133 United States
Scrubba Wash Bag
Our ultra-portable washing machine makes your journey easier. This convenient, pocket-sized travel companion allows you to travel lighter while helping you save money, time and water.
Our roots in shooting sports started off back in 1996 with our founder and CEO, Josh Ungier. His love of airguns took hold of our company from day one and we became the first e-commerce retailer dedicated to airguns, optics, ammo, and accessories. Over the next 25 years, customers turned to us for our unmatched product selection, great advice, education, and continued support of the sport and airgun industry.
COMMENTS
There are on this article.
You must become a subscriber or login to view or post comments on this article.