Spectre Overhead: A Video Tribute to the AC-130 Spooky Gunboat

From its humble beginnings as an armed C-47 transport, designated the AC-47 “Spooky,” the weapon system has evolved into the AC-130 “Spectre,” whose U model represents the cutting edge of close air support in friendly-controlled skies over battlefields from Panama to Somalia to Afghanistan.

The 25 mm rotary “gatling” gun, 40 mm Bofors and 105 mm howitzer pointing out of the port side of the Spectre, coupled with its state-of-the-art fire control system provide the sort of high-endurance, high-accuracy close air support that is ideal for Special Operations units operating deep in enemy territory. Additionally, Spectres can be used for fire base support and interdiction roles in many of America’s far-flung battlefields.

Here are a collection of some of our favorite videos showing the AC-130 doin’ work.

AC-130 + terrorists running through a field + night = pwned terrorists:

Nice compilation of Spectre action in Afghanistan, along with stock footage:

If AC-130 gun camera footage isn’t your cup of tea, there is always the other money shot, the mass dump of flares:

This is one of the best Afghanistan videos of all-time. Of course, the AC-130 is the main player:

FutureWeapons gets a flight:

Even Katie Couric loves her some Spooky:

No mountain road is out of reach of the Spooky Gunboat:

Here is a detailed look at the 25mm Gatling gun of the AC-130H through the Gunship Multispectral Sensor (GMS). It is a great psychological weapon and has to make friendlies on the ground feel good that a Spectre is on station: