The National Interest

The AC-130 Spectre Gunship: America’s Flying ‘Battleship’

The AC-130 “Spectre” gunship (also known as “Spooky”) is less of an airplane and more of a flying battleship. Heavily armored and armed to the hilt, this souped-up C-130 Hercules transport aircraft is ...
Task & Purpose

No enemy has downed an Air Force AC-130 gunship in 30 years. Here’s why

A bouquet of flowers stood in the bright sunshine atop a plaque at Hurlburt Field last Friday, where the 1st Special Operations Wing hosted a ceremony in remembrance of the largest single loss of life ...
The Aviationist

Air Force Reserve’s 919th SOW Returns to Gunship Mission with First Flight of AC-130J Ghostrider

The 919th Special Operations Wing flew the AC-130A Spectre for 20 years, before transitioning to non-gunship aircraft, and will now operate the new AC-130J. The 919th Special Operations Wing (919th ...
The National Interest

Russia Wants to Make Its Own AC-130 “Spookovik” Gunship

Russia wants to make its own version of America’s legendary AC-130 “Spooky” gunship. “An analogue of American AC-130 aircraft directly supporting ground forces on the AC-130 battlefield is being ...