The AC-130 gunship, nicknamed "The Angel of Death," is a US military aircraft that provides close air support to ground troops. It has a long history, starting with the AC-47 "Spooky" in the 1960s and evolving into the AC-130, which has been used in numerous conflicts around the world, including Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, and the Middle East. The aircraft is equipped with various weapons, including cannons, gatling guns, and precision-guided bombs, making it a formidable force on the battlefield. The crew of the AC-130 works together to identify and engage enemy targets, providing critical support to ground troops. The aircraft has undergone upgrades and improvements over the years, with new models being developed that are more efficient, have longer range, and may even be equipped with combat lasers.
1. The AC-130 gunship is nicknamed "The Angel of Death".
2. The AC-130 was first used towards the end of the Vietnam War.
3. The AC-47 was the first gunship, introduced in the 1960s.
4. The AC-47 was codenamed "Spooky".
5. The AC-130 has been used in conflicts around the world, including the Middle East.
6. The AC-130 is equipped with 30mm and 105mm cannons and 25mm gatling guns.
7. The AC-130 has a wingspan of 133 feet and a length of 98 feet.
8. The AC-130 can reach 300 miles per hour and has a range of 1,300 miles.
9. The AC-130 has four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines, giving it 17,200 horsepower.
10. The AC-130 costs $210 million per plane.
11. The AC-130 destroyed over 10,000 enemy trucks during the Vietnam War.
12. The AC-130 was used in Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada in 1983.
13. The AC-130 was used in Operation Just Cause in Panama.
14. The AC-130 was used in Operation Desert Storm in 1991.
15. The AC-130 was used in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq in the early 2000s.
16. The AC-130 is still being used in conflicts in the Middle East.
17. The AC-130 is equipped with state-of-the-art targeting equipment and upgraded weapon capabilities.
18. The AC-130's guns can fire up to 200 rounds a minute.
19. The AC-130 is equipped with GBU-39 small diameter bombs with precision guidance systems.
20. The AC-130 is equipped with a 105mm M102 howitzer cannon.
21. The new line of AC-130 gunships will be lighter and more efficient, burning 25-30% less fuel.
22. The new AC-130 gunships will have a top speed of 416 miles per hour.
23. The new AC-130 gunships will have a range of 3,000 miles.
24. The new AC-130 gunships will be equipped with six-blade propeller engines.
25. There are rumors that the new AC-130 will be outfitted with combat lasers.