Deadlier Ospreys, AC-130s coming?

TAMPA, Fla. -- U.S. Special Operations Command plans to add a forward-facing gun and better armor to its 50 CV-22 Ospreys, and Hellfire missiles to the AC-130 fleet, along with new command and control and radio frequency jammers and countermeasures to both platforms. That's according to a briefing during an annual conference in Tampa. The command has developed a laser-guided small diameter bomb that will be fielded on the AC-130 gunship this summer, and is just starting the process of fitting Hellfire missiles on the aircraft. (Source: Air Force Times, 05/22/14) Gulf Coast note: Hurlburt Field, Fla., is home of the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command.