Ac-x?

AC-X Replacement Gunship
In late December 2001 a Department of Defense Program Budget Decision (PBD) called for purchasing at least eight additional AC-130U Spooky gunships, and initiating work on a possible replacement gunship aircraft. The PBD added funding to accelerate and fully fund an Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration for the AC(X) aircraft. The AC(X) could be either a further upgrade to the existing AC-130 an entirely new follow-on system. A formal procurement program for the AC(X) was expected to begin in Fiscal Year 2005 (FY05). Special operators want the new gunship, or AC-X, to be much smaller than a C-130, with fewer crew members. They want it to be stealthy, with the speed and maneuverability of a long-range jet fighter. They want it equipped with directed energy weapons and non-lethal technologies, and it should be able to engage targets from any angle-above and below, front and back.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/ac-x.htm

Ok, logic problem here. A gunship is and should be a large aircraft that is able to loiter for long periods that has the ability to provide heavy, sustained and accurate firepower that can be brought to bear quickly. Is a plane that is stealthy, with a smaller crew and with the “speed and maneuverability of a long range jet fighter” not just a long range attack plane with an exotic weapon. It kind of ruin the whole concept of something like the Spectre, special forces should just get a squadron of F/A22s, Nighthawks or a B2 with PGMs assigned to support their actions.