What made the AC-130 Spectre special?
The AC-130 has an unpressurized cabin, with the weaponry mounted to fire from the port side of the fuselage. During an attack, the gunship performs a pylon turn, flying in a large circle around the target, therefore being able to fire at it for far longer than in a conventional strafing attack.
Which C-130 is the gunship?
The AC-130U “Spooky” gunship is the primary weapon of Air Force Special Operations Command. Its primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. The U model is an upgraded version of the H and is equipped with side firing, trainable 25 mm, 40 mm, and 105 mm guns.
What does the 130 stand for in AC-130?
The gunship’s AC identifier stands for attack-cargo. The aircraft is powered by four turboprop engines and has a flight speed of 300 mph and a flight range of 1,300 miles, depending on weight. The AC-130 gunship’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and force protection.
How many AC-130 gunships are there?
The type was adopted by the US Air Force (USAF) in 1968. It replaced the previous Douglas AC-47 Spooky gunship. A total of 47 of AC-130 gunships, including variants, were converted from C-130 transports. In 2018 the type will be operational for 50 years.
How many C130s does the US have?
North America The United States leads the pack with nearly 100 C-130 Hercules aircraft. The C130s are used for rescue missions, for training, logistics operations, refuelers, special ops and a few others. Here is the breakdown: United States Air Force operates 54.
Can an AC-130 be shot down?
Commonly known as the last AC-130 gunship shot down in combat, Spirit 03 is a story of heroes, harrowing combat and sacrifice. According to the Air Force Special Operations Command history office, the Iraqi army planned to invade Khafji, Saudi Arabia at the end of January, 1991, during Operation Desert Storm.
Can you buy an AC-130?
The Super Hercules is finally available to the public. Like the legendary “legacy” C-130 Hercules series of ridiculously versatile military cargo haulers that was offered in civilian form under the L-100 designation, the C-130J Super Hercules now has a civilian variant of its own—the LM-100J.
Do we still use AC-130?
The first AC-130J squadron, the 73rd Special Operations Squadron, was activated at Hurlburt Field, Florida, Feb. 23, 2018. The last AC-130J delivery is scheduled for fiscal year 2024.
Can AC-130 land on an aircraft carrier?
From the accumulated test data, the Navy concluded that with the C-130 Hercules, it would be possible to lift 25,000 pounds of cargo 2,500 miles and land it on a carrier. Even so, the idea was considered a bit too risky for the C-130 and the Navy elected to use a smaller COD aircraft.
Did they retire the AC-130?
The last armed AC-130U “Spooky” gunship, tail number 513, retired to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., Aug. 19, 2019.
Has the A 10 Warthog been retired?
Fiercely protected by the congressional delegation that represents Davis Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., the attempted divestment of 42 A-10 Warthogs was thwarted, with lawmakers mandating that all 281 of the venerable ground attack plane remain in service.
What happened Spirit 03?
Intent on saving more American lives, Spirit 03 flew back into the fray, but it was hit by a surface-to-air missile in the left wing. The aircraft began spiraling out of control before the left wing broke off completely, sending the gunship and her crew into the Persian Gulf.
Does the Navy have c130s?
The legacy C/KC-130T Hercules is a medium-sized multi-role, multi-mission transport aircraft supporting U.S. Navy operations world-wide. Naval Reserve C/KC-130T aircraft fulfill the Navy Unique Fleet Essential Airlift mission to provide the last logistic mile in support operations to forward deployed Naval Forces.
Can a C-130 carry a tank?
The mission of C-130J (the modified variant of C-130 Hercules) is to perform tactical airlift operations. The aircraft is the primary source for airdropping arms, equipment, and troops in rough or hostile areas. It is capable of carrying around 93 combat troops along with tanks and other types of equipment.
How many C-130s are at Little Rock AFB?
LRAFB now boasts a C-130J fleet of 47 aircraft between both the 19th Airlift Wing and 314th Airlift Wing.