The AC-130s deploy to bases worldwide in support of operations. AC-130Us are based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, while AC-130Hs and AC-130Ws are based at Cannon AFB, New Mexico. Force protection missions include defending air bases and other facilities. Air interdiction missions are conducted against planned targets and targets of opportunity. Close air support roles include supporting ground troops, escorting convoys, and flying urban operations. The gunship's sole user is the United States Air Force, which uses AC-130H Spectre, AC-130U Spooky, AC-130J Ghostrider, and AC-130W Stinger II variants for close air support, air interdiction and force protection. The AC-130A Gunship II superseded the AC-47 Gunship I during the Vietnam War. The basic airframe is manufactured by Lockheed, while Boeing is responsible for the conversion into a gunship and for aircraft support.
The Lockheed AC-130 gunship is a heavily armed ground-attack aircraft variant of the C-130 Hercules transport plane.
