Country of origin |
United States |
Entered service |
1968 |
Crew |
11 - 13 men |
Dimensions and weight |
Length |
29.79 m |
Wing span |
40.41
m |
Height |
11.16
m |
Weight (empty) |
26.9 t |
Weight (maximum take off) |
56.3 t |
Engines and performance |
Engines |
4 x Allison T-56-A-11 |
Engine power |
4 x 4 050 hp |
Maximum speed |
580 km/h |
Cruising speed |
333 km/h |
Combat speed |
270 km/h |
Service ceiling |
10 km |
Combat altitude |
1.1 - 2.5 km |
Range |
1 700 km |
Combat radius |
900 km |
Armament |
Cannon |
Depending on the variant, see text |
Missiles |
Depending on the variant, see text |
Bombs |
Depending on the variant, see text |
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The Lockheed
Martin AC-130 Spectre gunship is a heavily armed ground attack variant of the
C-130 Hercules. This military aircraft was developed
during the Vietnam War. It made its first flight in 1966. 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. This gunship was
never exported outside the United States.
The main
role of this unusual aircraft is close air support. It can engage
enemy positions, protect ground troops or escort convoys. The
aircraft can deliver accurate and continuous fire to a single point
on the ground. The AC-130 gunships are flown by special operation
squadrons.
This aircraft is capable
of flying faster than helicopters, operate at higher altitudes, has
much longer loiter time in the target area, can carry much heavier
armament and much more ammunition.
Weapons are
mounted in a way to fire from the port side of the fuselage. During
an attack the gunship is flying in a large circle around the
targets. So this aircraft can fire at the target for much longer
time than helicopters, conventional ground attack aircraft, or
multi-role fighters.
Different
variants of this aircraft have different armament. The original
AC-130A was armed with four GAU-2/A 7.62 mm miniguns and four M61
Vulcan 20 mm
cannons. Upgraded AC-130E and AC-130H aircraft packed
even more formidable punch. These were armed with two M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons, one Bofors 40 mm cannon and one
M102 105 mm howitzer. The current AC-130U is armed with a GAU-12
Equalizer 25 mm
cannon, one Bofors 40 mm cannon and one M102 105 mm howitzer.
This
aircraft has a sophisticated fire control system. However it relies
on visual targeting.
The AC-130
is operated by a crew of 11-13 men, depending on the variant.
Cabin of the AC-130 is non-pressurized.
The AC-130
gunships usually operate at night, because it is an easy target due
to its large profile and low
operating altitude. When engaging the target this aircraft operates
at an altitude of just 1.1 - 2.5 km.
Variants
AC-130A Spectre.
It is an original version. A total of 19 aircraft were
converted to this standard from C-130A Hercules transports. These
were armed with four GAU-2/A 7.62 mm miniguns and four M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons. In 1975
all of these aircraft were transferred to Air Force Reserve and were
finally retired in 1995.
AC-130E Spectre. It was introduced in 1969. A total of 11 aircraft were
converted from the C-130E transports. These aircraft were armed with
two M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons, one Bofors 40 mm cannon and one M102 105 mm howitzer. Later 8 or 10 of these aircraft
were further upgraded to improved AC-130H standard.
AC-130H Spectre. A total of 8 or 10 of these aircraft were upgraded from the
earlier AC-130E configuration. This version was armed with two M61
Vulcan 20 mm
cannons, one Bofors 40 mm cannon and one M102 105 mm
howitzer. It seems that after the year 2000 both Vulcan 20 mm cannons were removed. Last of these aircraft was retired in
2015.
AC-130J Ghostrider.
Is a new version, based on the MC-130J Combat Shadow II special
operations tanker. This version made its first flight in 2014. It is
armed with one ATK GAU-23/A Bushmaster 30 mm cannon, M102 105 mm
howitzer, AGM-176 Griffin, and
AGM-114 Hellfire missiles,
GBU-39, GBU-44/B Viper Strike, and GBU-53/B bombs. It was
planned that a total of 16 aircraft will be ordered.
AC-130U
Spooky II. It is an upgraded version This aircraft is armed with a
GAU-12 Equalizer 25 mm cannon, one Bofors 40 mm cannon and one
M102 105 mm howitzer. Also it has increased ammunition capacity and
improved fire control system. Currently 17 of these aircraft are operational with the USAF.
AC-130W
Stinger II. Is a new version. It is armed with one ATK GAU-23/A
Bushmaster 30 mm cannon, AGM-176 Griffin, and AGM-114 Hellfire
missiles, GBU-39, GBU-44/B Viper Strike, and GBU-53/B bombs. This version is currently in service with the USAF.
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