18 Lockheed AC-130U Spooky
The fire control system offers Dual Target Attack capability, whereby two targets up to 1km apart can be simultaneously engaged by two different sensors using two different guns. Navigational devices include the inertial navigation system (INS) and global positioning system (GPS). The aircraft is pressurized, enabling it to fly at higher altitudes, saving fuel and time, and allowing for greater range than the H-variant.
Defensive systems include a countermeasures dispensing system that releases chaff and flares to counter radar infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles. Also, an infrared heat shield mounted underneath the engines disperse and hide engine heat sources from infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles.
The name "Spooky" was given about one of the first gunships, the AC-47D Spooky, rather than continuing the "Spectre" nickname used by the AC-130H gunships. The moniker "Spooky II" sometimes distinguishes the AC-130U from the AC-47D. Here, a Spooky (serial number: 89-0510), nicknamed “Gunslinger,” unloads all guns upon a target in Afghanistan.
18 Lockheed AC-130U Spooky
The fire control system offers Dual Target Attack capability, whereby two targets up to 1km apart can be simultaneously engaged by two different sensors using two different guns. Navigational devices include the inertial navigation system (INS) and global positioning system (GPS). The aircraft is pressurized, enabling it to fly at higher altitudes, saving fuel and time, and allowing for greater range than the H-variant.
Defensive systems include a countermeasures dispensing system that releases chaff and flares to counter radar infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles. Also, an infrared heat shield mounted underneath the engines disperse and hide engine heat sources from infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles.
The name "Spooky" was given about one of the first gunships, the AC-47D Spooky, rather than continuing the "Spectre" nickname used by the AC-130H gunships. The moniker "Spooky II" sometimes distinguishes the AC-130U from the AC-47D. Here, a Spooky (serial number: 89-0510), nicknamed “Gunslinger,” unloads all guns upon a target in Afghanistan.