With all this talk about the C-27 morphing into a gunship role for special ops, I can't really see it not happening. Just look at the Air Force's request for (2) C-27 aircraft for AFSOC: Air Force Unfunded List.... Does anyone else who's familiar and following this see this really taking off as a new route for AFSOC, in terms of the gunship role?

 

Just think, the 105 mm is rarely used anymore in combat. Where the gunships have been called too, it's been essential for accurate, contained munitions to be used in order to protect SOF and civilians. The urban environments in today's COIN conflicts, and the surge in growth of SOF demand a more mobile, precise, and contained method of airborne firepower. Today, our gunships are often being assigned to cover too large of areas in a shift and that can cost the lives of soldiers and civilians, alike. The AC-130s are being overworked and are falling apart. I believe, much like many others, that a more cost effective and more mobile airplane like the C-27J can be modified to carry smaller caliber, and more precise guns than of that on the current gunships. Weapons such as the 30 mm, with air-burst capability would be ideal.

 

Does anyone have thoughts or predictions on when a AC-27 would be fielded?