The main missions of the AC-130J Ghostrider are direct air support and armed reconnaissance. The aircraft has a unique layout - all small arms and artillery weapons are located on the left side of the cargo cabin (flight direction) vertical to the axis of the aircraft. For its use against ground targets the aircraft performs a left circle around the target area. All the armament installed on board the AC-130 is controlled by a computerized search and targeting system including radar, TV and thermal sights. This enables effective use of the aircraft’s firepower around the clock, in all weather conditions. The armament consists of 30 mm and 105 mm artillery. GBU-39 precision guided bombs, AGM-114 air-to-surface missiles, and AGM-176 air-to-air anti-missile missiles are also possible. The AC-130 J is in service with the US- Air Force.