AC-130 Specs

The AC-130H Spectre and newer AC-130U Spooky is a close air support adaption of the C-130 Hercules. This often used workhorse has spawned many different and very usefull aircraft, but none so deadly as the AC-130. The Spectre is the oldes version still in service with 8 aircraft left in active service. In the 1990's Lockheed updated and built a few new verions called the U model or the Spooky. Either model take the C-130's strengths and adds some deadly accurate and powerful cannons on the port side. The original AC-130 was used with great success during the Vietnam war and every conflict since has seen the use of this vital, but unsung hero.

Both of the currently active models in service carry a L60 40mm Bofors cannon and a M102 105mm howitzer. The H model has two M61 20mm Vulcan cannons and the U model instead has one 25mm GAU-12 Gatling gun. With this aircrafts long loiter time, lower speed, weapons, and survivablity it fits perfectly in the close air support role. This aircraft has seen many years of service and will continue to do so as a result of it's potent capabilities.

AC-130U Spooky

Function:					Close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance
Contractor:					Lockheed Martin
Power Plant:					4 Allison turboprop T56-A-15 w/ 4,910 HP each
Length:					97 ft 9 in
Height:					38 ft 6 in
Max Weight:					155,000 lbs.
Wingspan:					132 ft 7 in
Speed:					300 mph
Range:					2,200 nautical mi. unrefueled
Armament:					1 25 mm GAU-12 Gatling gun, 1 40 mm cannon, and 1 105 mm howitzer
Crew:					13
Cost:					72 million
Deployment Date:					1995
Inventory:					13