Ac-130H - aircraft - Brief Article - Evaluation

Combat Edge, Nov, 2001

The AC-130 gunship's primary missions are close air support, air interdiction, and force protection. Missions in close air support are troops in contact, convoy escort, and urban operations. Air interdiction missions are conducted against preplanned targets or targets of opportunity. Force protection missions include air base defense and facilities defense.

Primary Function: Close air support, air interdiction and force protection Builder: Lockheed/Boeing Corp. Power Plant: Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines Thrust: 4,910 shaft horsepower each engine Length: 97 feet, 9 inches Height: 38 feet, 6 inches Wingspan: 132 feet, 7 inches Speed: 300 mph Range: Approximately 1,300 nautical miles Ceiling: 33,000 feet Maximum Takeoff Weight: 155,000 pounds Ranger: 2,700 nautical miles Ceiling: 25,000 feet Maximum Take off Weight: 155,000 pounds Armament: AC-130H/U: 40mm cannon and 105mm cannon; AC-130U: 25mm gun warfare officer and eight enlisted (flight engineer, TV operator, infrared detection set operator, loadmaster, four aerial gunners) Deployment Date: AC-130H, 1972 Unit Cost: AC-130H, $132.4 million; Inventory: Active duty, 8