Air force one gunship4/20/2024 ![]() ![]() The latest version, the AC-130U, entered service with AFSOC in 1994. Over the years the gunships have provided armed reconnaissance, interdiction and direct support of ground troops engaged with enemy forces.ĭespite its devastating firepower, however, the venerable platform-currently operating as the AC-130H (Spectre) and AC-130U (Spooky)-has a number of drawbacks due to its origins as a slow, heavy transport airframe, the C-130 Hercules.Īir Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), which deploys 21 AC-130H/Us, is working to improve the aircraft for continued service, while at the same time looking ahead to a replacement system to undertake the gunship role in the future. ![]() ![]() The AC-130 gunship has earned its stripes in a range of conflicts in the past few decades-from Vietnam up to recent operations against insurgents in Fallujah, Iraq. Please contact Kerrigan Media for a reprint of this article.Īir Force special operations looks at ways to replace the AC-130 gunship in its missions of armed reconnaissance, close air support and interdiction. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |