![]() Spectre was operationally tested at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., from June to September 1967. Therefore, there were a number of firsts that one model or another chalked up for the gunship. The C-130 gunship was a new weapon system in an old airframe. In contrast the AC-130A carried 7.62mm and 20mm weapons the AC-130H fired 20mm, 40mm and 105mm guns and the newest gunship, the AC-130U, is equipped with 25mm, 40mm and 105mm weapons. The AC-47 was equipped with three 7.62mm miniguns. Also, the large C-130 could carry more ammunition for its heavier weapons. Having the guns below the wings eliminated the basic problem of the AC-47. The first gunship, the AC-47, with low wings, reduced its field of fire. The high-wing design of this aircraft and its large capacity made it especially suited as a gunship. Also, the C-130 was adapted for fire fighting and delivered 30,000 pounds of liquid fire suppressants over 30,000 square feet of forest in only 10 seconds. The Marines utilized the KC-130 as an aerial tanker. The HC-130 has also been used by special operations as a helicopter aerial refueler. The HC-130 has been used for search and rescue, weather reconnaissance, recovering Discoverer capsules and NASA manned space flight modules. The RC-130 was configured for photo reconnaissance the DC-130 launched and controlled drone targets for air defense weapons practice the GC-130 was a drone director for research purposes the JC-130 recovered satellite capsules and the C-130D was fitted with skis and takeoff rockets for use in Antarctica. It had the ability to haul heavy loads and large equipment and operate in and out of short, rough landing strips. More than 39 countries have flown this aircraft. Like the C-47 before it, many countries acquired if for their transport needs. Lockheed built the C-130 Hercules, which became one of the most versatile and longest lasting aircraft produced. The YC-130 first flew Augand C-130A production began April 7, 1955, with Air Force deliver beginning in December 1956. ![]() However, with the aerial refueling modification, the range for the later model gunships was only limited by crew endurance. Initially, the C-130 had a maximum speed of 384 mph and an unrefueled range of 2,450 miles with maximum load. It has a wingspan of 132 feet 7 inches and a wing area of 1,745 sq. The aircraft is 97 feet 9 inches long and 38 feet 3 inches tall. The AC-130 Spectre gunship in the Air Park is an AC-130A model named the "Ultimate End." The A-model gunship was the first AC-130 model. ![]()
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