What rounds does an AC-130 fire?
During the intense fighting, the planes fired more than 1,300 40 mm and 1,200 105 mm rounds. Close air support was the main mission of the AC-130 in Iraq.
Was the AC-130 gunship used in Vietnam?
They were used in Vietnam from 1962-1970. Beginning in 1965, the C-130 Hercules with its four turbo-prop engines, superior 15-ton payload, and its ability to rapidly offload palletized cargo dominated airlift operations in Vietnam. As ground combat increased, so did airlift requirements.
What is the most powerful AC-130?
The AC-130J Ghostrider is set to be the most heavily-armed gunship in history, bristling with 30mm and 105mm cannons, AGM-176A Griffin missiles, and the ability to carry Hellfire missiles and GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs.
Is the C-130 armed?
The AC-130 is armed with a fearsome array of weaponry, including a 105 mm cannon and 25 or 40 mm gatling guns. The AC-130U employs a synthetic aperture strike radar for long-range and adverse weather target detection and identification.
How far can a gunship shoot?
Specifications
Specifications | ||
---|---|---|
AC-130H Spectre | AC-130U Spooky | |
Range: | 1,500 statute miles (1,300 nautical miles) Unlimited with air refueling | 2,200 nautical miles Unlimited with air refueling |
Ceiling: | 25,000 feet (7,576 meters) | 30,000 ft. |
Speed: | 300 mph (Mach 0.40) (at sea level) |
Has an AC 130 been 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.
Do the Marines fly C 130s?
Marine Corps divested of all KC-130T aircraft in 2021. The KC-130J Super Hercules supports U.S. Marine Corps by providing tactical aerial refueling for fixed-wing, rotary-wing and tilt-rotor aircraft and can be configured to provide transport of personnel or cargo.