Is the AC-130U still in service?
The AC-130U returned from its final combat deployment on 8 July 2019; the final AC-130U was retired in August 2019.
What replaced the AC-130U?
AC-130J
The AC-130J is the fifth generation gunship replacing the aging fleet of AC-130U/W gunships.
How tall is AC-130?
38 feet, 3 inches
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Primary Function | Intratheater airlift. |
| Height | 38 feet, 3 inches (11.4 meters). |
| Wingspan | 132 feet, 7 inches (39.7 meters). |
| Speed | 374 mph (Mach 0.57) at 20,000 feet (6,060 meters). |
How many C130s have been built?
To date, more than 2,500 C-130s have been ordered and/or delivered to 63 nations around the world. Seventy countries operate C-130s, which have been produced in more than 70 different variants.
Does the Army fly C130s?
It is now the main tactical airlifter for many military forces worldwide. More than 40 variants of the Hercules, including civilian versions marketed as the Lockheed L-100, operate in more than 60 nations. The C-130 entered service with the U.S. in 1956, followed by Australia and many other nations.
Can AC-130 drop bombs?
The C-130 can drop 64 fully-armed paratroopers into combat on a single pass. With additional passes or a long drop zone, they can also drop “door bundles” with ammunition and other supplies ahead of the soldiers. Some equipment, like Humvees and 105mm cannons, can also be dropped from the back of the plane.
Are gunships real?
A gunship is a military aircraft armed with heavy aircraft guns, primarily intended for attacking ground targets either as airstrike or as close air support.
What does it take to run the AC-130U Spooky II?
It takes a large team to run the AC-130U Spooky II properly. The crew onboard a AC-130U are: five officers – pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer and electronic warfare officer – alongside a flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, and four aerial gunners.
What is the AC-130H “Spectre” gunship?
The AC-130H “Spectre” gunship, a close relative of the Spooky II, first saw action in 1972. Lockheed introduced the AC-130U in the early 1990s and it remains the attack-cargo preference of the U.S. Air Force to this day. Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines power this massive aircraft down the runway.
What makes the AC-130U so successful?
Lockheed and Boeing, the two main contractors, utilize the latest sensor technologies and fire control systems. These systems allow increased weapon stand-off range and improved first-shot accuracy. State-of-the-art infrared and electronic countermeasures boost the survivability of the AC-130U against modern enemies.
How many AC-130U gunships does the Air Force have?
Boeing received an $11. 4 million contract from the U. S. Air Force in 2012. The first delivery order under this contract provided parts to complete installation of 25 mm Ammunition Storage and Handling Systems (ASHS) on four AC-130U gunships. There are 17 active AC-130U’s in the U. S. Air Force fleet.