The Lockheed AC-130 gunship is a heavily armed, long-endurance, ground-attack variant of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, designed for close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions.
It is converted from the C-130 Hercules airframe by Boeing, while Lockheed Martin manufactures the base airframe.
The aircraft is operated exclusively by the United States Air Force, specifically under the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and is currently in service with the AC-130J Ghostrider variant.
The AC-130 is equipped with a wide array of side-firing weapons integrated with advanced sensors, navigation, and fire-control systems, allowing for precise, sustained firepower during extended loiter periods, typically at night or in adverse weather.
The aircraft performs a pylon turn during attacks, enabling continuous fire on a target by flying in a large circle around it.
The AC-130A Spectre, the first model, was introduced in 1968 and replaced the Douglas AC-47 Spooky during the Vietnam War.
It was initially armed with 7.62 mm and 20 mm weapons, later upgraded with a 105 mm howitzer.
Subsequent variants include the AC-130H Spectre (introduced 1969), which carried 20 mm, 40 mm, and 105 mm weapons, and the AC-130U Spooky (introduced 1995), which featured a 25 mm GAU-12 Equalizer cannon and improved fire-control systems.
The AC-130W Stinger II, introduced in 2012, was a modified C-130H with a precision strike package including a 30 mm gun and guided munitions.
The AC-130J Ghostrider, based on the MC-130J Commando II, entered service in 2017 and is the current primary variant, with the 73rd Special Operations Squadron activated at Hurlburt Field, Florida, in 2018.
The AC-130 has seen combat in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya.
During the Vietnam War, AC-130s destroyed over 10,000 trucks and provided critical close air support.
In Operation Just Cause in Panama, they destroyed key command and control facilities, contributing to the swift restoration of democracy.
During Operation Desert Storm, AC-130s provided air base defense and close air support, though one AC-130H was shot down, resulting in the loss of all 14 crew members.
The AC-130A was retired in 1995, the AC-130H in 2015, the AC-130U in 2020, and the AC-130W in 2022, with the AC-130J continuing to phase into service.
The AC-130J is based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and can be deployed worldwide.
The aircraft is known for its unpressurized cabin and port-side weapon mounting, with crew roles including pilot, co-pilot, navigator, electronic warfare officer, flight engineer, loadmaster, and multiple aerial gunners.
The AC-130 has been recognized for its effectiveness, earning accolades such as the Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award for its role in the Grenada operation.
It has also been referred to as the “Angel of Death” due to its devastating firepower and precision.
The aircraft continues to evolve, with ongoing studies into replacing the 105 mm howitzer with a breech-loading 120 mm mortar for improved lethality, reduced recoil, and enhanced precision strike capabilities.
AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts. Brave AI
Aslan_is_0n_the_m0ve, YOU have provided me with A VERY FOND MEMORY when I was in Vietnam ('71-'72)...When I was on this knob and being harassed by the VC/NVA, I would call in a strike, and they brought the "PUFF"....OMG...There is NOTHING one can say about this deadly machine that will change my mind...due to the PUFF, I am writing this today because of those brave men!!!!!!!!
The plane was named after the song. PTMD lyrics are from a 1959 poem by a guy named Leonard Lipton. Peter Paul and Mary ( anti war trio) wrote the music and recorded it in ‘62. Thank you for your service.
Sinaloa cartel better hurry up and disappear Lori Hobbs before Maricopa shit hits the fan and she starts talking to try to save her own corrupt evil lying ass.
It isn't a bluff. What if they don't cave and implode? The reality is... we are done with the mere existence of such an enterprise. It is contaminating the entire planet. The planet nor the inhabitants need their existence on the planet. You don't have to die... just give it up and join the human race. Anyone against such a strong proclamation... we will listen to your plan (as long as it is potent), how you suggest this be handled. In the absence of any alternative plan... we are going with this one.
How about Chinese and all these creeps in our country making fentanyl and all these crazy drugs inside of the United States? Eliminate Mexico of course, they are first bringing tons of drugs.
Now we are talking. 😎😎💥💥
That laser on the front looks like it could fry a place like Lahaina.
Lahaina, Canada, Pacific Palisades, you name it.
shhhhhh.... that "never" happened! kek...
Paradise
Time for a blue roof
Maui, California, etc. too.
I voted for all this.
u/#seriouspopcorn
Oh yeah the upgraded version of Puff the magic dragon
I've seen vids of that 'Bad Boy' in action. 😵
The Lockheed AC-130 gunship is a heavily armed, long-endurance, ground-attack variant of the C-130 Hercules transport aircraft, designed for close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance missions. It is converted from the C-130 Hercules airframe by Boeing, while Lockheed Martin manufactures the base airframe. The aircraft is operated exclusively by the United States Air Force, specifically under the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), and is currently in service with the AC-130J Ghostrider variant.
The AC-130 is equipped with a wide array of side-firing weapons integrated with advanced sensors, navigation, and fire-control systems, allowing for precise, sustained firepower during extended loiter periods, typically at night or in adverse weather. The aircraft performs a pylon turn during attacks, enabling continuous fire on a target by flying in a large circle around it. The AC-130A Spectre, the first model, was introduced in 1968 and replaced the Douglas AC-47 Spooky during the Vietnam War. It was initially armed with 7.62 mm and 20 mm weapons, later upgraded with a 105 mm howitzer.
Subsequent variants include the AC-130H Spectre (introduced 1969), which carried 20 mm, 40 mm, and 105 mm weapons, and the AC-130U Spooky (introduced 1995), which featured a 25 mm GAU-12 Equalizer cannon and improved fire-control systems. The AC-130W Stinger II, introduced in 2012, was a modified C-130H with a precision strike package including a 30 mm gun and guided munitions. The AC-130J Ghostrider, based on the MC-130J Commando II, entered service in 2017 and is the current primary variant, with the 73rd Special Operations Squadron activated at Hurlburt Field, Florida, in 2018.
The AC-130 has seen combat in numerous conflicts, including Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Persian Gulf, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya. During the Vietnam War, AC-130s destroyed over 10,000 trucks and provided critical close air support. In Operation Just Cause in Panama, they destroyed key command and control facilities, contributing to the swift restoration of democracy. During Operation Desert Storm, AC-130s provided air base defense and close air support, though one AC-130H was shot down, resulting in the loss of all 14 crew members.
The AC-130A was retired in 1995, the AC-130H in 2015, the AC-130U in 2020, and the AC-130W in 2022, with the AC-130J continuing to phase into service. The AC-130J is based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, and Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, and can be deployed worldwide. The aircraft is known for its unpressurized cabin and port-side weapon mounting, with crew roles including pilot, co-pilot, navigator, electronic warfare officer, flight engineer, loadmaster, and multiple aerial gunners.
The AC-130 has been recognized for its effectiveness, earning accolades such as the Lt. Gen. William H. Tunner Award for its role in the Grenada operation. It has also been referred to as the “Angel of Death” due to its devastating firepower and precision. The aircraft continues to evolve, with ongoing studies into replacing the 105 mm howitzer with a breech-loading 120 mm mortar for improved lethality, reduced recoil, and enhanced precision strike capabilities.
AI-generated answer. Please verify critical facts. Brave AI
Aslan_is_0n_the_m0ve, YOU have provided me with A VERY FOND MEMORY when I was in Vietnam ('71-'72)...When I was on this knob and being harassed by the VC/NVA, I would call in a strike, and they brought the "PUFF"....OMG...There is NOTHING one can say about this deadly machine that will change my mind...due to the PUFF, I am writing this today because of those brave men!!!!!!!!
Thank you!!!!!
In Boot Camp they called it "Puff the Magic Dragon"
Glad you made it!
That is where the song "Puff the Magic Dragon" came from!!!!!
The plane was named after the song. PTMD lyrics are from a 1959 poem by a guy named Leonard Lipton. Peter Paul and Mary ( anti war trio) wrote the music and recorded it in ‘62. Thank you for your service.
Remember 'Fat Albert'
Hey, Hey, Hey, get out the way. 🤪😂🤣
Jet assist C-130
I seem to recall some of our planefags mentioning regular flights of electronic surveillance planes running up and down the Mexican coasts.
.mil has probably been laying the groundwork for some time
That's badass news right there. ANNEX THIS HEMISPHERE NOW.
Drop some 1,000 lb bombs first then clean up with spooky....
Sinaloa cartel better hurry up and disappear Lori Hobbs before Maricopa shit hits the fan and she starts talking to try to save her own corrupt evil lying ass.
Oh looks like the next thing Liberals are going to come out to protest is the treatment of the poor little cartels
It isn't a bluff. What if they don't cave and implode? The reality is... we are done with the mere existence of such an enterprise. It is contaminating the entire planet. The planet nor the inhabitants need their existence on the planet. You don't have to die... just give it up and join the human race. Anyone against such a strong proclamation... we will listen to your plan (as long as it is potent), how you suggest this be handled. In the absence of any alternative plan... we are going with this one.
For the rest... please try to catch up.
Would not this be the new Vietnam? Or could we actually win this with true leadership? Eisenhower was right!
Bye bye Katie hobbs!
Now do Pfizer
How about Chinese and all these creeps in our country making fentanyl and all these crazy drugs inside of the United States? Eliminate Mexico of course, they are first bringing tons of drugs.
He talks like NISWIC.
Looks like we got the cartels all mapped out. Death from tje sky in 3,2,,,,
Órale vatos... is going down