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AC-130 Spectre Gunship: U.S. Airborne Firepower at Its Deadliest

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The Lockheed Martin AC-130 Spectre is a formidable ground-attack aircraft that evolved from the C-130 Hercules transport platform. Designed during the height of the Vietnam War, it first took to the skies in 1966 and entered U.S. Air Force (USAF) service in 1968, replacing the older Douglas AC-47 Spooky. With over five decades of operational history, the AC-130 has proven to be a reliable and powerful asset for U.S. special operations, despite never being exported.

AC-130 Spectre Gunship firing flares during a night support mission
A U.S. Air Force AC-130H Spectre gunship jettisons flares as an infrared countermeasure during training off the Gulf Coast.(Photo by U.S. Air Force)

AC-130 Spectre Gunship Specifications

Country of origin United States
Entered service 1968
Crew 11 – 13 men
Dimensions and Weight
Length 29.79 m
Wing span 40.41 m
Height 11.16 m
Weight (empty) 26.9 t
Weight (maximum take-off) 56.3 t
Engines and Performance
Engines 4 × Allison T-56-A-11
Engine power 4 × 4,050 hp
Maximum speed 580 km/h
Cruising speed 333 km/h
Combat speed 270 km/h
Service ceiling 10 km
Combat altitude 1.1 – 2.5 km
Range 1,700 km
Combat radius 900 km
Armament
Cannon Depending on the variant, see text
Missiles Depending on the variant, see text
Bombs Depending on the variant, see text

Purpose and Role of the AC-130

The primary mission of the AC-130 gunship is close air support (CAS). Its capabilities include:

  • Engaging enemy ground targets with surgical precision
  • Supporting ground troops
  • Providing aerial escort for convoys
  • Sustained firepower delivery over a single point on the battlefield

Unlike attack helicopters or multirole jets, the AC-130 boasts longer loiter times, greater ammunition capacity, higher altitude operation, and significantly heavier weaponry—making it a game-changer in nighttime support missions.

Flight Profile and Engagement Tactics

Weapons aboard the AC-130 are mounted to fire from the port (left) side of the fuselage. During engagements, the aircraft flies in a wide circular pattern known as a "pylon turn" around its target, allowing continuous and precise fire over extended periods. This loiter-and-fire capability is a strategic advantage, especially during operations requiring persistent support.

Firepower Across Generations

Different AC-130 variants are equipped with a range of heavy weapons. Below is a look at the armament progression:

Early Variants

  • AC-130A Spectre:
    • Four GAU-2/A 7.62 mm miniguns
    • Four M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons
  • AC-130E Spectre:
    • Two M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons
    • One Bofors 40 mm cannon
    • One M102 105 mm howitzer

Upgraded and Enhanced Versions

  • AC-130H Spectre:
    • Similar armament as the AC-130E
    • Vulcan 20 mm cannons later removed in the 2000s
  • AC-130U Spooky II:
    • GAU-12 Equalizer 25 mm cannon
    • Bofors 40 mm cannon
    • M102 105 mm howitzer
    • Upgraded fire control system and increased ammo capacity

Next-Generation Firepower

  • AC-130J Ghostrider:
    • ATK GAU-23/A 30 mm Bushmaster cannon
    • M102 105 mm howitzer
    • Precision-guided munitions:
      • AGM-176 Griffin
      • AGM-114 Hellfire
      • GBU-39 SDB, GBU-44/B Viper Strike, GBU-53/B StormBreaker
  • AC-130W Stinger II:
    • GAU-23/A 30 mm cannon
    • Equipped with precision strike weapons identical to the Ghostrider

Advanced Fire Control and Targeting

While the AC-130 is equipped with a sophisticated fire control system, its effectiveness still relies heavily on visual targeting—particularly in low-light and night operations, where the aircraft excels. Modern targeting pods, sensors, and infrared cameras enhance its target acquisition capabilities, ensuring accurate and devastating fire support.

Crew Configuration and Limitations

Each AC-130 variant typically carries a crew of 11 to 13 personnel, including:

  • Pilot and copilot
  • Navigator and fire control officers
  • Sensor and weapon systems operators
  • Loadmasters and additional mission specialists

Notably, the cabin is unpressurized, limiting its operational altitude compared to traditional pressurized aircraft. During engagements, the AC-130 typically flies at 1.1 to 2.5 km (3,600 to 8,200 ft)—low enough to support ground troops, but also increasing vulnerability to anti-air threats.

Why the AC-130 Operates at Night

Due to its large size, slow speed, and low operational altitude, the AC-130 is an easy target for surface-to-air missiles and small arms fire. As a result, it primarily flies night missions, where reduced visibility protects it from enemy detection and enhances its surprise and accuracy using night vision and infrared sensors.

Variants of the AC-130 Gunship

1. AC-130A Spectre

  • First operational model converted from C-130A transports.
  • Featured 4x GAU-2/A 7.62 mm miniguns and 4x M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons.
  • A total of 19 aircraft were converted.
  • Transferred to the Air Force Reserve in 1975 and retired by 1995.

2. AC-130E Spectre

  • Entered service in 1969, converted from C-130E transports.
  • Armament: 2x 20 mm Vulcans, 1x 40 mm Bofors, 1x 105 mm howitzer.
  • 8–10 aircraft upgraded later to AC-130H standard.

3. AC-130H Spectre

  • Upgraded version of the E-model.
  • Retained same armament as the E-model initially.
  • The 20 mm Vulcans were removed after 2000.
  • Last retired in 2015.

4. AC-130U Spooky II

  • More advanced fire control and payload.
  • Weapons: GAU-12 25 mm, 40 mm Bofors, 105 mm howitzer.
  • 17 units remained operational.

5. AC-130W Stinger II

  • Enhanced C-130H converted with modern weapons and targeting.
  • Carries 30 mm Bushmaster, Hellfire, Griffin, and smart bombs.
  • Used for precision strike operations.

6. AC-130J Ghostrider

  • Based on the MC-130J Combat Shadow II.
  • Equipped with 30 mm cannon, 105 mm howitzer, and guided munitions.
  • First flown in 2014.
  • A total of 16 aircraft were planned for procurement.

Conclusion: Dominance in Close Air Support

The AC-130 Spectre and its variants remain some of the most feared airborne platforms for close air support. From Vietnam to modern counter-insurgency operations, its devastating firepower, long endurance, and advanced targeting systems ensure it continues to serve as a critical tool for U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). Despite its vulnerability, particularly in daylight and against advanced air defenses, its unmatched precision and persistence make the AC-130 an irreplaceable force multiplier in modern warfare.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About the AC-130 Gunship

What makes the AC-130 gunship different from other military aircraft?

The AC-130 is unique due to its ability to deliver sustained, precise firepower from a circling flight pattern. Unlike jets or helicopters, it can loiter over targets for extended periods, providing continuous support using heavy-caliber weapons and advanced targeting systems.

What weapons does the AC-130 typically carry?

Depending on the variant, AC-130 gunships are armed with a range of cannons, howitzers, and precision-guided munitions, including:

  • 25 mm GAU-12 Equalizer
  • 30 mm Bushmaster cannon
  • 40 mm Bofors cannon
  • 105 mm M102 howitzer
  • AGM-114 Hellfire and AGM-176 Griffin missiles
  • GBU-39 and GBU-53/B smart bombs

Why does the AC-130 primarily operate at night?

Due to its large size, slow speed, and low altitude during missions, the AC-130 is vulnerable to enemy fire. Flying at night enhances survivability, using infrared and night vision systems to detect targets while remaining hidden.

How long can the AC-130 remain over a target area?

The AC-130 is capable of extended loiter time, staying over a battlefield for several hours. This allows it to monitor enemy movements, provide continuous close air support, and respond instantly to ground force requests.

What is the crew composition of an AC-130 gunship?

An AC-130 typically has a crew of 11 to 13 personnel, including:

  • 2 pilots
  • 1 navigator
  • Fire control officers
  • Sensor operators
  • Loadmasters
  • Gunners and weapon system specialists

Is the AC-130 gunship used by any other countries?

No. The AC-130 has never been exported and is operated exclusively by the United States Air Force, specifically by Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).

Which is the most advanced variant of the AC-130?

The AC-130J Ghostrider is the latest and most advanced version. It integrates modern avionics, enhanced firepower, and precision-guided munitions, making it the most lethal AC-130 ever built for special operations missions.

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