AC-130 Gunship in Action
The AC-130 Gunship is modified with an armed gun version of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft. This monster aircraft is built by Lockheed Martin.
AC-130 angel of death
AC-130 is the most feared aircraft by the enemy. This plane is armed with one 30 mm ATK GAU-23/A autocannon and the 105 mm M102 howitzer. It also can fire the enemy into the direct point. With its extraordinary weapons capabilities, this aircraft has demonstrated the strength of the United States worthy of being feared by its enemies. This AC-130 plane also has a famous nickname: “the angel of death”
AC-130 Gunship Upgrade
After being upgraded, AC-130 was able to carry many powerful missiles, AGM-176 Griffin missiles, and or GBU-44/B Viper Strike munitions. It also can load GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs, AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, and GBU-53B on its wings.
According to popularmechanic.com, In this year (2022), AC-130 will get the latest upgrades with an equipped 60-kilowatt laser weapon, Which will increase the ability to destroy enemies significantly. The laser function of this aircraft is to burn the enemy vehicle and equipment on the battlefield.
The AC-130 has the same capabilities as the A-10 warthog in close air support and ground attack, however, it is larger and can carry more ammunition, and is more dangerous when fighting with the enemy.
AC-130 Mission
The AC-130 has a long history with US Air Force. This plane is used by the United States when fighting terror from ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and the Taliban in the Middle East. It also use for vietname war and cold war.
AC-130 Variants ever built
AC-130 has a lot of variants in its service life. All variants of the AC-130 were very good at their time. However, the AC-130 has several variants that are retired and still active.
AC-130 variants with nicknames that get retired:
- the AC-130A “Spectre” retired in 1995
- the AC-130H “Spectre” retired in 2015
- the AC-130U “Spooky” retired in 2019
AC-130 Variant with nickname which still active in service:
- AC-130W Stinger II
- the AC-130J Ghostrider.
Similarities between AC-130W Stinger II and AC-130J Ghostrider.
- crew max 13
- maximum takeoff weight of 155,000 lbs.
The differences between the AC-130W Stinger II and the AC-130J Ghostrider.
- AC-130W Stinger II range : 2,200 miles
- AC-130J Ghostrider range : 3,000 miles
- Max Speed of AC-130W Stinger II : 300 MPH
- Max Speed of AC-130J Ghostrider : 416 MPH
Overall the Ghostrider is much more modern, sophisticated and tough than the AC-130W Stinger II. This is what makes US Airforce procure Ghostrider even more.