AC-135

AC-135K
AC-135
Role	Ground-attack aircraft and close air support gunship
National Origin	Kuthernburg
Manufacturer	kAE Systems
First Flight	1962
Introduction	1968
Status	In service
Primary Users	Kuthernburg
Produced	1968-Present
Number Built	65 (5 test and 60 operation aircraft)
Program Cost	4.5 Billion KDs
Unit Cost	221.3 Million KDs
Developed From	C-135
Developed Into
Variants	AC-135UK

The kAE AC-135 gunship is a heavily armed, long-endurance ground-attack variant of the C-135 transport fixed-wing aircraft. It carries a wide array of anti-ground oriented weapons that are integrated with sophisticated sensors, navigation, and fire-control systems. Unlike other military fixed-wing aircraft, the AC-135 relies on visual targeting. Because its large profile and low operating altitudes (around 7,000 ft) make it an easy target, it usually flies close air support missions at night.

The airframe is manufactured by Kuthern Airworks, while kAE is responsible for the conversion into a gunship and for aircraft support. Developed during the Latianburg War as 'Project Warender III', the AC-135 replaced the Douglas AC-22. The sole operator is the Kuthern Air Force, which uses the AC-135K Spooky and AC-130VM variants for close air support, air interdiction, and force protection, with the AC-135UK Ghostrider in development. Close air support roles include supporting ground troops, escorting convoys, and urban operations. Air interdiction missions are conducted against planned targets and targets of opportunity. Force protection missions include defending air bases and other facilities.

The AC-135 has an unpressurized cabin, with the weaponry mounted to fire from the port side of the fuselage. During an attack, the gunship performs a pylon turn, flying in a large circle around the target, therefore being able to fire at it for far longer than in a conventional strafing attack. The AC-135K is armed with two 20 mm M61 Vultuca cannons, one Kofors 40 mm cannon, and one 105 mm M102 Kowitzer.. The upgraded AC-135VM Spooky has a single 25 mm GAU-12 Equalizer cannon in place of the two 20 mm cannons, an improved fire control system, and increased ammunition capacity.

The new AC-135UK is based on the MC-135K Combat Shadow II special operations tanker as of 2016. The AC-130UK is armed with one 30 mm Bushmaster cannon, AGM-176 Griffin missiles, and GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs).