Why is it called Spooky gunship?
These sophisticated aircraft located VC radio stations and headquarters and then called Spooky to put them off the air. In March 1969, four AC-47s were deployed to Laos where their immediate success against ground troops led to a plan to convert several Laotian C-47s into gunships.
What is the purpose of a gunship?
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.
When was the AC-47 first used?
Developed from the Douglas DC-3 which first flew Dec. 22, 1935, the C-47 became the workhorse of the Army Air Force in World War II.
What does the AC mean in AC-130?
attack-cargo
The gunship’s AC identifier stands for attack-cargo. The aircraft is powered by four turboprop engines and has a flight speed of 300 mph and a flight range of 1,300 miles, depending on weight. The AC-130 gunship’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and force protection.
How accurate is the AC-130?
With its extremely accurate fire control system, the AC-130 can place 105mm, 40mm and 25mm munitions on target with first round accuracy. The crew of these aircraft are extremely proficient working in military operations in urban terrain [MOUT] environments.
What does the A mean in AC-130?
Spectre gunship based on the C-130 cargo aircraft. Governmental ยป Military. Rate it: AC-130. AirCraft with 130 Caliber bullets.
What was the name of the first AC 47 helicopter?
Douglas AC-47 Spooky. The Douglas AC-47 Spooky (also nicknamed “Puff, the Magic Dragon”) was the first in a series of fixed wing gunships developed by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War.
What was the name of the AC 47 in Vietnam?
Douglas AC-47 Spooky. The Douglas AC-47 Spooky (also nicknamed “Puff, the Magic Dragon”) was the first in a series of gunships developed by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. It was designed to provide more firepower than light and medium ground-attack aircraft in certain situations when ground forces called for close air support.
Why was the AC-47 called the Magic Dragon?
The Douglas AC-47 Spooky (also nicknamed “Puff, the Magic Dragon”) was the first in a series of gunships developed by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. It was designed to provide more firepower than light and medium ground-attack aircraft in certain situations when ground forces called for close air support.