Lockheed AC-130 - Wikipedia
Unlike other modern military fixed-wing aircraft, the AC-130 relies on visual targeting. Since its large profile and low operating altitudes around 7,000 feet (2,100 m) make it an easy target, its close air support missions are usually flown at night. [7]
Lockheed AC-130A Spectre - National Museum of the USAF
The AC-130A Spectre is a C-130 converted to a gunship, primarily for night attacks against ground targets. To enhance its armament's effectiveness, it used various sensors, a target acquisition system, and infrared and low-light television systems.
AC-130A Spectre - Museum of Aviation
The AC-130A Spectre is a C-130 that was converted to a side-firing gunship, primarily for night attacks against ground troops. The AC-130A was equipped with two 40mm cannons, two 20mm Vulcan cannons and two 7.62mm miniguns.
AC-130A Spectre > Hurlburt Field > Hurlburt Field Fact Sheets
The AC-130 Spectre gunship in the Air Park is an AC-130A model named the "Ultimate End." 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.
AC-130s suppressed enemy air defense systems and attacked ground forces during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada. This enabled the successful assault of Point Saline’s airfield via airdrop and air land of friendly forces.
HISTORY OF THE GUNSHIP - Spectre-Association
It was at this time that the C-130A gunship was designated the AC-130A. On 30 October 1968, the 16 SOS "Spectre" was activated at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB), Thailand. The unit was equipped first with the AC-l30A gunship and …
Lockheed AC-130A Spectre - Aviation History & Technology Center
The AC-130A Spectre, a heavily armed ground attack aircraft, is one of more than 70 versions of the propeller-driven C-130 Hercules built by Lockheed in Marietta, GA. Other variants include transport, refueling, weather data, command, electronic warfare, firefighting, and …
Lockheed AC-130A Hercules - National Museum of the USAF
Lockheed AC-130A Hercules This aircraft is no longer on public display. The C-130 was originally designed as an assault transport capable of operating from unpaved, hastily prepared airstrips.
Lockheed AC-130 Spectre - Warbirds Resource Group
On 18 June 1972, a 16th SOS AC-130A, 55-0043, name unknown, was operating approximately 25 miles southwest of Hue, South Vietnam, when a SA-7 struck its number 3 engine, tore off the wing, and caused an explosion. Three crewmen bailed out, but there were no other survivors.
Gunship II: Spectre > National Museum of the United States Air …
The AC-130 Spectre gunship was far more capable than the AC-47. It first flew in combat in the fall of 1967. Spectre gunship crews primarily flew night missions to stop enemy transportation on the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos. The AC-130 became the Air Force's most successful "truck-killer."