Corps weighs gunship firepower options

[unhappycamper]

Adding firepower
Cost an issue for putting weapons on KC-130Js.


Corps weighs gunship firepower options
By Trista Talton - Staff writer
Posted : Thursday Apr 24, 2008 6:26:12 EDT

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. — More brains. More brawn. Now, maybe, firepower.

With their digitally upgraded cockpits and larger load capacity, the Marine Corps’ growing fleet of KC-130J Super Hercules refuelers has been hailed as a major step up from its predecessors. But the question of whether these aerial gas stations should be outfitted with weapons systems is a concept still on the drawing board.

A brief obtained by Marine Corps Times highlights various ways the KC-130J can be outfitted with firepower. Written by a major in the Weapons Requirements Branch of the Corps’ aviation department in response to a request for information from Commandant Gen. James Conway, the briefing also includes details about the Corps’ plans to scrap consolidated pilot training with the Air Force. The author of the briefing could not be reached for comment by press time.

The AC-130J, Lockheed Martin’s offering as an upgrade to the AC-130 gunship, has “tremendous firepower,” the brief says.

The problem is that these aircraft cost too much, according to the briefing. One AC-130J squadron of 12 aircraft would cost the same as three Marine Aerial Refueler squadrons equipped with 15 aircraft each.


Rest of article at: http://www.marinecorpstimes.com/news/2008/04/marine_gunship_042308w/



uhc commet: The latest cost I could find for the AC-130J was from a 2004 article - $100,000,000 a pop --> http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=13193

If you're interested in more background, search the above web site for 'c-130j'.