ac-130

[drGreen]

I was googling around a bit and wanted to share it with you guys :)

http://airpower.callihan.cc/images/NoseArt/ac130ana-usafm.jpg
http://airpower.callihan.cc/images/Modern/AC-130/WRAFB-AC130-2.jpg


These picture were taken in July 2001 at the Pope Air Force Base (NC) airshow.

The photos directly below were taken by Steve Belanger

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-01.jpg
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-02.jpg
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-03.jpg
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-04.jpg
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-05.jpg
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-06.jpg

Right scanners window. Used to "scan" for enemy ground fire. The scanner is able to fire off chaff and flare for any incoming fire if required.
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-12.jpg
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-13.jpg
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-14.jpg
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-15.jpg

These picture were taken on 4-29-2001 at the NAS Norfolk Airshow.

The photos directly below were taken by Robert N.Abbott Jr.



port side
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Robert_Abbott/AC-130U_Norfolk_4-29-01.jpg

105mm and 40mm gun
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Robert_Abbott/AC-130U_105mm_&40mm_4-29-01.jpg

105mm port side gun
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Robert_Abbott/AC-130U_105mm_Port_side_4-29-01.jpg

25mm gun
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Robert_Abbott/AC-130U_25mm_4-29-01.JPG

40mm Bofors gun starboard side
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Robert_Abbott/AC-130U_40mm_Bofors_Starboard_side_4-29-01.JPG

40mm Bofors gun on port side
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Robert_Abbott/AC-130U_Cockpit_4-29-01.jpg

were taken from here
www.aircraftresourcecenter.com

[Aerosoul]

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-

100% ownage.

[drGreen]

:| huh?

[Aerosoul]

Nevermind, the pic won't hotlink for whatever reason.

I posted one of the cannons.

[Legion]

No glitz, no glamour, just straight business.

[RGRBOX]

The best toy the DOD ever bought. My step-dad was a Crew Chief on the ealier models used in the Vietnam War, he was with the USAF Air Commandos.

[Aerosoul]

^^ Sweet.

[Shiftyfive]

CLASSIC!



http://img48.exs.cx/img48/3360/wrafbac13022zf.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

I guess we can change the old saying to - F uck you and the camel you rode in on Muji.

[drGreen]

CLASSIC!



http://img48.exs.cx/img48/3360/wrafbac13022zf.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

I guess we can change the old saying to - F uck you and the camel you rode in on Muji.

or a camel smoking add: "never forget your camels"

[MARINO]

awesome

[TarwarWarrior]

The AC-130 is like a mullet - All business up front and a party in the back!

-TW, out!-

[EffJi]

Just a question: all the guns are on one side, right? What if an aircraft shows up on the other side?

Cool aircraft though. Like the Azrael angel of death picture

[Palladin]

I think everything is on one side ,EFF. This plane needs protection from air assults.


I've never seen it in action personally,but on film it looked to me like nothing could live within about a football field area,not even a roach bug.

[thatguy96]

That's probably the best walk around set of photos for the AC-130U I've seen. I think its interesting that they decided to replace the M61s with a single GAU-12/U, but with the general altitude restrictions in using weapons around that caliber a reduction in weight (possibly for more ammo or other systems) probably played a role in the decision.

[ibstolidude]

From my own photos.
http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/509_1096950813_ac1301.jpg

it must have seemed strange when the concept was first proposed.

[RGRBOX]

Just a question: all the guns are on one side, right? What if an aircraft shows up on the other side?

Cool aircraft though. Like the Azrael angel of death picture

This Aircraft is a Ground Support Platform. It will have some air cover from above during an op, but the last time someone tried to go up a dog fight with the US was, the 1st Iraqi War in 91, and that lasted a whole 2 seconds...

[RGRBOX]

From my own photos.
http://www.onpoi.net/ah/pics/users/509_1096950813_ac1301.jpg

it must have seemed strange when the concept was first proposed.

Great pic... up close..

[jon]

Just a question: all the guns are on one side, right? What if an aircraft shows up on the other side?

Cool aircraft though. Like the Azrael angel of death picture

This Aircraft is a Ground Support Platform. It will have some air cover from above during an op, but the last time someone tried to go up a dog fight with the US was, the 1st Iraqi War in 91, and that lasted a whole 2 seconds...

Wasn't there som air-to-air combat over Serbia?

[RGRBOX]

Just a question: all the guns are on one side, right? What if an aircraft shows up on the other side?

Cool aircraft though. Like the Azrael angel of death picture

This Aircraft is a Ground Support Platform. It will have some air cover from above during an op, but the last time someone tried to go up a dog fight with the US was, the 1st Iraqi War in 91, and that lasted a whole 2 seconds...

Wasn't there som air-to-air combat over Serbia?

I don't remember, but would like to hear about it...

[henksmoeder]

Just a question: all the guns are on one side, right? What if an aircraft shows up on the other side?

Cool aircraft though. Like the Azrael angel of death picture

This Aircraft is a Ground Support Platform. It will have some air cover from above during an op, but the last time someone tried to go up a dog fight with the US was, the 1st Iraqi War in 91, and that lasted a whole 2 seconds...

Wasn't there som air-to-air combat over Serbia?

Think you're right. I seem to vaguely remember that a dutch f-16 shot down a serbian mig-29 there.

[drkfce]

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/AWA1/201-300/walk208_AC-130H/part2/images_Steve_Belanger/ac130-06.jpg

I though there were supposed to be two of these 25 mm chainguns? :cantbeli:

[thatguy96]

If you go back to my post, you'll note that I pointed this out. The AC-130U swaps out both M61s for a single GAU-12/U.

AC-130A: 4 GAU-2B/As (or no GAU-2s), 4 M61s (or the rear two guns replaced with Bofors L60s)
AC-130E: 4 GAU-2B/As (or with no GAU-2s), 2 M61s, 2 Bofors L60s
AC-130H: 2 GAU-2B/As (or with no GAU-2s), 2 M61s, 1 Bofors L60, 1 M1A1 variant
AC-130U: 1 GAU-12/U, 1 Bofors L60, 1 M1A1 variant

[indigo_prime]

I think the old fashioned targetting system for the AC130 gunships was a simple 3 / 4 / 5 triangle. IE: You fly at 3000 feet, 4000 feet from the target and your range to target becomes 5000 feet. Stick the plane in a 45 degree turn so that you circle the target and then lay some rounds on the ground!!

Obviously these days it will all be GPS targetting and auto piloted controls but its quite amazing how a big plane, some hefty weaponry and a little bit of simple mathematics can ruin the bad guys day!!

[Shiftyfive]

I think the old fashioned targetting system for the AC130 gunships was a simple 3 / 4 / 5 triangle. IE: You fly at 3000 feet, 4000 feet from the target and your range to target becomes 5000 feet. Stick the plane in a 45 degree turn so that you circle the target and then lay some rounds on the ground!!

Obviously these days it will all be GPS targetting and auto piloted controls but its quite amazing how a big plane, some hefty weaponry and a little bit of simple mathematics can ruin the bad guys day!!

there are videos from A-stan and Iraq of Ac-130 chasing down and killing indavidual people - its effing scary to watch. Nothing like the combination of powerful weapons being delivered from a accurate and effective system to ruin your day.

[Hadamar]

If you go back to my post, you'll note that I pointed this out. The AC-130U swaps out both M61s for a single GAU-12/U.

http://img211.exs.cx/img211/8429/gau12linklessfeed4xe.jpg

The AC-130U Spectre Gunship, operational in the US Air Force since March 1996, utilizes the Western Design 25mm Ammunition Storage and Handling System (ASHS). It is the worlds largest Linear Linkless Feed System, storing 3000 rounds of ammunition to feed the GAU-12/U five barrel gatling cannon at a rate of 1800 shots per minute. Mated with Delco's Trainable Gun Mount System, it provides a firepower and lethality enhancement heretofore unknown in the Spectre series of aircraft.

ASHS represents an advancement in the state-of-the-art of ammunition handling system technology by providing high-density storage in a two-bay configuration for 3300 lbs. of ammunition within the lightweight, highly-efficient structure of linear linkless design.

ASHS is hydraulically-powered and is tied mechanically to the gun through a flexible drive shaft. System control is provided through electronic commands from a remote crew station on the Gunship.

ASHS versatility is demonstrated by its acceptance of linked or bulk ammunition during loading, its ability to download spent cases while uploading new rounds, and its capability to distinguish between live rounds and spent cases at the end of firing a burst for reverse clearing of the weapon, providing safety for both crew and gun.

[tc2129]

I live near Hurlburt where these planes are based out of and almost everyday they are shooting behind my house. The target ranges are about 9 miles directly north of my house. I also know a few navigators on these aircraft and personally knew a Capt. on the AC-130 that went down in the first Gulf War. My father worked on them as well before he retired. I will see if I have any pics to post and if I do I will share them on here.

[disabled1]

i love ac 130 gunships, to bad i wasnt invited to this show, i know where it was and i was just five minutes away. bummer

[RGRBOX]

I remember training with them in the Army, and calling for Support on Positions. At night, it looks like all hell has broken loose...

[Ratman]

The AC-130 is like a mullet - All business up front and a party in the back!

-TW, out!-

woot woot woot

Can anyone provide information on what types of targets are typically engaged by the different weapons systems, i.e., why use the Bofors over the chaingun etc.

Thanks

[drGreen]

http://augustachronicle.com/iraq/graphics/weapons_ac130_gunship.gif
http://www.aircommando.com/uu19.jpg


An AC-130 Spector Gunship destroys a building early Tuesday where Marines of Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, fought insurgents on Monday in northwest Fallujah, Iraq.

http://www.nctimes.com/content/articles/2004/04/27/military/iraq/20_46_194_26_04.jpg

[Uncle Chô]

The concept of the "Gunship" dates back to the early 60s in Vietnam.

They put some Miniguns aboard old C-47s Dakota. The concept proved so good they improved it with better and more powerfull guns (105 mm) and uptodate avionics. The C-130 cargo was the plane of choice because of its size, load and range. They also developed the concept for the C-119 cargo plane but it did not survived the war.

It was mainly for ground support against forward US bases in Nam by the regular NVA. At night the hail of fire was terrific even the ennemy was not really hit ("fire spitting dragons").

The concept proved to be very efficient against the convoys on the Ho Chi Minh trail where the resupply trucks could not hide in the darkness anymore (because the AC-130A had some early LLTV and IR captors).

It went into aciton again in Grenada, Panama, not Mogadiscio (because of political decision), Iraq, Afghanistan.

With the latest technology and pinpoint accuracy, they could engage a target within urban areas.

In 2005 the Gunship is still on the top list of the best and lethal weapons for any future military action (guerilla warfare).

[Cifu]

The concept of the "Gunship" dates back to the early 60s in Vietnam.

I remind a WW2 soviet plane, an Pe-2(?) light bomber armed lots of fixed PPS submachine gun, placed in the bomb bay. Quite destructive method too... :)))

[Fargin]

http://img209.exs.cx/img209/5363/ac47b6yr.th.jpg (http://img209.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img209&image=ac47b6yr.jpg)

3 Revolver-armed US groundcrew pass 7.62mm ammunition belts up into an AC-47 Dragonship armed with three Minigun rotary weapons.

[HardThunder]

http://img209.exs.cx/img209/5363/ac47b6yr.th.jpg (http://img209.exs.cx/my.php?loc=img209&image=ac47b6yr.jpg)

3 Revolver-armed US groundcrew pass 7.62mm ammunition belts up into an AC-47 Dragonship armed with three Minigun rotary weapons.

A-26

B-17Q, i think but that was to fight off fighters, not ground support.

The A-26 was good in its time, but no one writes well of it, even if it was used in S-America, Cen Amer, Africa, and Asia wihtout problems in the 50s, and 60s.