What replaced the AC-130U?

AC-130J
The AC-130J is the fifth generation gunship replacing the aging fleet of AC-130U/W gunships.

How much does an AC-130U cost?

about $210 million
Each one costs about $210 million According to the USAF website, one Spooky AC-130U runs about $210 million. Compare this to the infamous “brrrrrt brrrrrt” A-10 Warthog’s total unit cost of $20 million. This makes the AC-130U one of the single most expensive units in the Air Force.

Is the AC-130U still in service?

The AC-130U returned from its final combat deployment on 8 July 2019; the final AC-130U was retired in August 2019.

Why is it called Spooky gunship?

These sophisticated aircraft located VC radio stations and headquarters and then called Spooky to put them off the air. In March 1969, four AC-47s were deployed to Laos where their immediate success against ground troops led to a plan to convert several Laotian C-47s into gunships.

Does India have AC-130 gunship?

The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules that is being delivered to the Indian Air Force is special in many ways. Not only is the C-130J the most advanced airlifter ever built, but the version being built for India sets a new standard for both capability and programme performance.

What countries have AC-130?

Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gabon, Niger, Sudan, Tunisia and Zambia use the C-130 for Air Force operations, but an exact number of aircraft in use is unknown. In Cairo West Airport, the Egyptian Air Force operates three C-130s. Libya currently uses four C-130s.

Can the Rooivalk fly upside down?

Notable features include a tandem cockpit, starboard tail rotor with a port tailplane, a fixed wheeled undercarriage as well as wire cutters above and below the cockpit and on the undercarriage. The Rooivalk is capable of doing a loop and thus momentarily “flying upside down”.

Was the C 47 used in Vietnam?

They left as first-rate military aircraft headed for combat in Vietnam in a variety of missions. EC-47s were also operated by the Vietnamese, Laotian, and Cambodian Air Forces. A gunship variation, using three 7.62 mm miniguns, designated AC-47 “Spooky”, often nicknamed “Puff the magic dragon”, also was deployed.