What is the AC-130 spooky?
What is the AC-130 spooky?
The AC-130U “Spooky” gunship is the primary weapon of Air Force Special Operations Command. Its primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. The U model is an upgraded version of the H and is equipped with side firing, trainable 25 mm, 40 mm, and 105 mm guns.
What was spooky in Vietnam?
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.
Why are gunships called Spooky?
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 planes dropped Agent Orange in Vietnam?
TCDD, the toxic substance in Agent Orange, may be inhaled as an aerosol or ingested by contaminated food or water or from hand-to-mouth transfer. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Air Force used C-123 aircraft to spray Agent Orange to clear jungles that provided enemy cover in Vietnam.
How many C130s does the US have?
North America The United States leads the pack with nearly 100 C-130 Hercules aircraft. The C130s are used for rescue missions, for training, logistics operations, refuelers, special ops and a few others. Here is the breakdown: United States Air Force operates 54.
Why is it called Spooky gunship?
Why is the ac-47 called Spooky?
The ground troops affectionately called the AC-47 “Puff – the Magic Dragon”. It was noted that the Viet Cong never seeing such an attack from the sky, thought it to be a fire breathing dragon. “Spooky” became the call sign for the AC-47 and that name is the one that stuck with the AC-47.
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.