The AC-130 is very good on small, open maps like Village, Dome, and Mission. It will appear as 1:1, 4:4, and 20:20 respectively on the HUD, with the number on the left representing the ammo left before reloading. It is also possible to switch between thermal and enhanced color vision at will. It works just like in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, but it now keeps track of the number of shots in each weapon before reloading, as well as the max capacities: One 105mm howitzer shell, four 40mm cannon shells, and twenty 25mm Vulcan rounds.

The AC-130 is in the air for forty seconds. The AC-130 is a 12-point (11 with Hardline) Strike Chain reward, which is part of the Assault Strike Package in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The explosive damage on the AC-130 is affected by Danger Close, being able to maximise the blast radius of its explosive rounds.

The AC-130 should be taken out as quickly as possible if the enemy has deployed one, as the player using it may have a Tactical Nuke as their last reward. If using lock-on launchers, it will take at least three rockets due to the AC-130 having two flares. While difficult, it is possible to destroy an AC-130 with the Predator Missile and RPG-7. Due to the AC-130 flying higher than any other aerial killstreak, it can't be hit with bullets and it is able to shoot down helicopters and Harriers. On its own, it is arguably one of the deadliest killstreaks in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and in tandem with Danger Close Pro, its lethality is further increased. Each cannon has a different zoom amount, with the 105mm having the least and the 25mm having the most. When called in, the player will start with a thermal view from the AC-130 which gives a clear overhead view of the map from the 105mm cannon. The AC-130, due to its amazing firepower, high altitude flight path, and its two angel flares, is a force to be reckoned with in almost any situation. It takes 11 kills to obtain or 10 with Hardline. The AC-130 is available for unlock as early as level 10.

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