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AC-47 “Spooky”
The Douglas AC-47 “Spooky” was the first fixed-wing gunship developed by the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Designed to provide intense firepower when ground forces needed close air support, the AC-47 paved the way for modern gunships like the AC-130.
Equipped with three 7.62mm General Electric miniguns, the AC-47 could saturate enemy positions with fire, making it a lifesaver for troops on the ground. Though it was an experimental concept, the AC-47 quickly proved its effectiveness, becoming a critical asset in combat operations.
Before the AC-47, no aircraft had been designed specifically for sustained close air support. This gunship changed that. It featured:
- Side-mounted firepower – Guns fired from two rear windows and the cargo door, all on the left side.
- Endless firepower – The miniguns could fire up to 6,000 rounds per minute.
- Combat-proven reliability – The aircraft became highly requested by ground forces during battle.
The AC-47 was the foundation for the future of airborne gunships, leading directly to the AC-130 Spectre, still in service today.
- Crew: 7 (pilot, copilot, navigator, flight engineer, loadmaster, and 2 gunners)
- Length: 64 ft 5 in
- Wingspan: 95 ft
- Height: 16 ft 11 in
- Wing Area: 987 sq ft
- Empty Weight: 18,080 lbs
- Gross Weight: 33,000 lbs
- Engines: 2 × Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasp radial engines (1,200 HP each)
- Top Speed: 230 MPH
- Cruise Speed: 175 MPH
- Range: 2,175 miles
- Service Ceiling: 24,450 ft
The AC-47 “Spooky” was a game-changer in aerial warfare. Its success led to modernized gunships, proving the effectiveness of fixed-wing air support in combat.
Come see the aircraft that started it all and learn how the AC-47 shaped modern military aviation!