Based on Lockheed’s four-engine turboprop transport and weaponized by Boeing, the deadly AC-130 “aerial battleship” had humble beginnings.
Douglas FC-47D tail no. 0-48579—the original “Puff the Magic Dragon”—carried three 7.62mm GE miniguns in makeshift mounts. (U.S. Air Force)
An AC-47’s miniguns, each firing at a rate of 6,000 rounds per minute, unleash on Viet Cong positions. (U.S. Air Force)
With its armament of twin 40mm cannons and a pair of 20mm rotary guns, this Spectre awaits its next mission in a revetment at Thailand’s Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base. (U.S. Air Force)
4th Special Operations Squadron crewmen operate an AC-130U’s 105mm gun. (U.S. Air Force)
To supplement the AC-130 in Vietnam, the Fairchild AC-119G and K were developed. (U.S. Air Force)
An AC-130H from the 16th Special Operations Squadron heads out on another mission. (U.S. Air Force)