| AC-119 Shadow/Spectre |
|---|
AC-119 gunship |
| Description |
|---|
| Role | Gunship |
| Crew | G: 6 (day) 8(night) | K: 10 |
| Dimensions |
|---|
| Length | 86 ft | 5 3/4 in |
| Wingspan | 109 ft | 3 1/4 in |
| Height | 26 ft | 7 3/4 in |
| Maximum take-off | 62,000 lbs. |
| Powerplant |
|---|
| AC-119G | AC-119K |
| Engines | 2 - Wright R-3350 | 2 - Wright R-3350
2 - General Electric J85-GE-17 |
| Power | 7000 hp | 12700 hp |
| Performance |
|---|
| AC-119G | AC-119K |
| Combat speed | 130 knots | 180 knots |
| Combat range | 6 hours | 5 hours |
| Armament |
|---|
| AC-119G | 4 SUU-11A 7.62 mm |
| AC-119K | 4 SUU-11A 7.62 mm
2 M61-A1 20 mm |
The AC-119G Shadow and AC-119K Stinger were developed during the Vietnam War. They replaced the inadequate AC-47 Spooky and supplemented the newer AC-130.
The AC-47 had proven to be vulnerable to ground fire, and it was also felt that greater weapons capacity was needed. The Shadow carried four miniguns, compared to the three of the AC-47, and a great deal more ammunition. The Stinger replaced two of the miniguns with two 20mm cannon. 26 of both designs were converted.
The AC-119 was phased out of the Air Force in 1973.
References
