Footage of AC-130U (0:00 - 2:10) mark; AC-130W (2:10 - 5:00) mark. Includes KC-135 refueling.Differences of AC-130U and AC-130W:AC-130U:Mission: The AC-130U “Spooky” gunships’ primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. Close air support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point air defense.Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity and include strike coordination, reconnaissance, and armed overwatch mission sets.Features: This heavily armed aircraft incorporate side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensor, navigation, and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower or area saturation during extended loiter periods, at night and in adverse weather. The sensor suite consists of a multispectral television sensors, high definition infrared sensors, and radar.These sensors allow the gunship to visually or electronically identify friendly ground forces and targets anytime, anywhere. The AC-130U employs synthetic aperture strike radar for long-range and adverse weather target detection and identification. The AC-130's navigational devices include inertial navigation systems and global positioning systems. The AC-130U’s capability to track and engage two targets simultaneously with different levels of ordnance is an invaluable asset to Special Operations Forces on the ground.AC-130W:Mission: The AC-130W Stinger II primary missions are close air support and air interdiction. Close air support missions include troops in contact, convoy escort and point air defense. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity and include strike coordination and reconnaissance.Features: The aircraft is a highly modified C-130H featuring improved navigation, threat detection, countermeasures, and communication suites. All AC-130W aircraft are modified with a precision strike package to perform the gunship mission. Modifications to the AC-130W include a mission management console, communications suite, two electro-optical/infrared sensors, fire control equipment, precision guided munitions delivery capability; and one side-firing, trainable 30mm gun with tracer-less ammunition and associated munitions storage system.The mission management system will fuse sensor, communication, environment, order of battle and threat information into a common operating picture. The AC-130W Stinger II Precision Strike Package modification provides ground forces an expeditionary, persistent direct fires platform that delivers precision low-yield munitions, ideally suited for close air support and urban operations.Footage credit:1st Combat Camera Squadron.3rd Combat Camera Squadron.SSgt Thomas Smith;SrA Jacob Albers.Date taken: 05.4.2016. Press Released: 05.8.2016.Participants:4th Special Operations Squadron, Hurlburt Field, Fla.16th Special Operations Squadron, Cannon Air Force Base, N.M.,KC-135 Stratotanker from McGee-Tyson Air National Guard Base, Tennessee.