Does the AC-130 have missiles?

The AC-130J has two planned increments: the Block 10 configuration includes an internal 30 mm gun, small diameter bombs, and laser-guided missiles launched from the rear cargo door; and Block 20 configuration adds a 105 mm cannon, large aircraft infrared countermeasures, wing-mounted Hellfire missiles, and radio- …

Does the AC-130 have guns on both sides?

The AC-130 is the world’s biggest flying artillery gunship, nicknamed “Hell in the Sky.” With three side-firing weapons—a 25mm gatling gun, a 40mm Bofors cannon, and a 105mm howitzer—it’s easy to see why it got its name.

Does the AC-130 get shot down?

Sadly, the enemy shot down one AC-130H gunship. It resulted in the loss of all 14 crewmembers, the largest singer air power loss of the war. In March 1994, the price of freedom and the high operations tempo was paid by a 16th Special Operations Squadron AC- 130H gunship, call sign Jockey 14.

How does the AC-130 work?

The AC-130 relies heavily on visual targeting at low altitudes and punishes enemy targets while performing pylon turns around a fixed point on the ground during attack. The Air Force is the only operator of the AC-130 and the gunship has been providing close air support for special operators for the last 50 years.

What are AC 130s armed with?

The AC-130 is armed with a fearsome array of weaponry, including a 105 mm cannon and 25 or 40 mm gatling guns. The AC-130U employs a synthetic aperture strike radar for long-range and adverse weather target detection and identification.

How many c130 shot down?

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. More than 15 percent of the approximately 2,350 Lockheed C-130 Hercules production hulls have been lost, including 70 by the US Air Force and the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War.

How did Spirit 03 get shot down?

A lone shoulder-fired, surface-to-air missile arced towards the AC-130, detonated and brought down the aircraft. There were no survivors. In the months and years that followed, the loss of Spirit 03 was investigated and then quickly hushed up.

Can an AC-130 carry troops?

C-130H: 23,000 feet (7,077 meters) with 42,000 pounds (19,090 kilograms) payload. Maximum Load: C-130E/H/J: 6 pallets or 72 litters or 16 CDS bundles or 90 combat troops or 64 paratroopers, or a combination of any of these up to the cargo compartment capacity or maximum allowable weight.

Can a C-130 carry a tank?

Using its aft loading ramp and door, the C-130 can accommodate a wide variety of oversized cargo, including everything from utility helicopters and six-wheeled armored vehicles to standard palletized cargo and military personnel.