What is an AC-130 gunship?
The Lockheed AC-130 gunship is a heavily armed, long-endurance, ground-attack variant of the C-130 Hercules transport, fixed-wing aircraft. It carries a wide array of ground attack weapons that are integrated with sophisticated sensors, navigation, and fire-control systems.
Can an AC-130 be downed by an enemy?
No enemy has downed an Air Force AC-130 gunship in 30 years. Here’s why “The lessons passed on to crews trained since that fateful day are the true legacy of Spirit 03.”
Where did the AC-130s go in Vietnam?
The AC-130 gunship first arrived in South Vietnam on 21 September 1967 under the Gunship II program and began combat operations over Laos and South Vietnam that year. In June 1968, AC-130s were deployed to Tan Son Nhut AB near Saigon for support against the Tet Offensive.
What is the port side of an AC-130 used for?
The port side of the AC-130 houses firing ports for an array of cannons, howitzers and gatling guns. The AC-130 is flown by USAF Special Operations, mostly in the close air support role.
The A-model gunship was the first AC-130 model. The aircraft is 97 feet 9 inches long and 38 feet 3 inches tall. It has a wingspan of 132 feet 7 inches and a wing area of 1,745 sq. feet. Initially, the C-130 had a maximum speed of 384 mph and an un-refueled range of 2,450 miles with maximum load.
Who makes the AC-130 aircraft?
The airframe is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, while Boeing is responsible for the conversion into a gunship and for aircraft support. Developed during the Vietnam War as “Project Gunship II”, the AC-130 replaced the Douglas AC-47 Spooky, or “Gunship I”.
What happened to the first C-130 planes?
The sturdy C-130 returned to base. In December 1968, F-4 Phantoms first escorted the gunship in an effort to protect it from ground fire. However, the first gunship was lost with two crewmembers May 24, 1969. One was killed when the gunship was hit and the other perished when the plane crashed at home base.
How many AC-130H gunships were shot down in Iraq?
Iraq shot down one AC-130H gunship. It resulted in the loss of all 14 crewmembers, the largest single air power loss of the war. Post war restriction on Iraq required the presence of gunships to enforce them.