AC-130

The AC-130 has an unpressurized cabin, with the weaponry mounted to fire from the port side of the fuselage. During an attack, the gunship performs a pylon turn, flying in a large circle around the target, so is able to fire at it for far longer than in a conventional strafing attack. The AC-130H Spectre was armed with two 20 mmM61 Vulcan cannons, one L/60 Bofors 40 mm cannon, and an M137 105 mm cannon and M37 recoil mechanism from the M102 howitzer. After 1994, the 20 mm cannons were removed. The upgraded AC-130U Spooky has a 25 mmGAU-12 Equalizer cannon in place of the Spectre's two 20 mm cannons, an improved fire-control system, and increased ammunition capacity. The new AC-130J was based on the MC-130J Commando II special-operations tanker. The AC-130W Stinger II is a modified C-130H with upgrades including a precision strike package.