The AC-130A was equipped with down facing Gatling guns affixed to the left side of the aircraft with an analog fire control system. 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 gunship’s AC identifier stands for attack-cargo. The Hercules cargo airframe was converted into an AC-130A (Project Gunship II) because it could fly faster, longer, higher and with increased munitions load capabilities. Air Force photo) Development and Designĭuring the Vietnam War the C-130 Hercules airframe was selected to replace the original gunship, the Douglas AC-47 Spooky (Project Gunship I). Force protection missions include air base defense and facilities defense. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity. Missions in close air support are troops in contact, convoy escort and urban operations. The AC-130 gunship’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and force protection.

Ac130 puff the magic dragon