Overview
The AC-130 is a heavily armed ground-attack version of the C-130 Hercules. Its guns point out of the left side of the fuselage, and the pilot flies in a steady left-hand circle around the target so the weapons stay aimed at the same spot, usually at night.
First used in the Vietnam War, it has supported special forces in many conflicts. Earlier versions were named Spectre and Spooky; the current AC-130J Ghostrider (figures shown) is based on the C-130J and also carries guided missiles and bombs.
Specifications
Dimensions
| Length | 29.80 m |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | 40.40 m |
| Height | 11.80 m |
Weights & fuel
| Max. take-off weight | 74,390 kg |
|---|
Performance
| Cruise speed | 670 km/h |
|---|---|
| Range | 4,070 km |
| Service ceiling | 8,500 m |
Crew & capacity
| Crew | 7–9 (AC-130J) |
|---|
Powerplant
| Engines | 4 |
|---|---|
| Engine model | Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3 (AC-130J) |
| Power (each) | 3,458 kW |
Figures are compiled from public sources and may be approximate; they can vary by variant and configuration.
Armament
- 30 mm GAU-23/A cannon
- 105 mm M102 howitzer
- Griffin and Hellfire missiles, GBU-39 small-diameter bombs (AC-130J)
Photos
Photo 1: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Some text and images come from Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA licences.
