Topics: Aircraft : Gunships
Gunships are cargo-type aircraft that have been re-designed to provide close air support for troops in contact, or interdiction of supplies enroute to enemy positions. Gunships offer precision targeting and exceptionally long loiter times. Side mounted guns are a primary distinguishing feature.
AC-119
The AC-119 was the third generation gunship, following the AC-47 and the AC-130. It was put in service due to the success of the AC-130, and the unavailability of the necessary C-130 Hercules airframes for gunship conversion.Built on the C-119 "Packet" airframe, two different version were developed.
Shadow,
Stinger,
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AC-123
The Fairchild NC-123 Black Spot was not technically a gunship, but was frequently referred to as the AC-123, and were often believed to be gunships, thus the inclusion in this category.
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AC-130
AC-130 gunships are a family of aircraft based on the C-130 Hercules airframe. These are generically referred to as "Spectre Gunships" even though the latest variant does not use that nickname.
Spectre,
Spooky,
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AC-47
Built on the airframe of the C-47 "Dakota" transport, the AC-47 was the first-ever fixed-wing gunship to employ fixed-mount, rapid-fire, side-firing weapons to attack ground targets while orbiting them.
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