I believe this to be the AC—130U model. Armament includes 40mm Bofors and 105mm cannons and 25mm gatling gun. Sure glad they’re on our side.

The 25mm is the basic M242 I think. Chain gun, not Gatling gun.

quote:

Originally posted by AllenInAR:
The 25mm is the basic M242 I think. Chain gun, not Gatling gun.

Did you see it in the video? I think you’ll find that it’s a GAU-12 Equilizer, 5-barreled gatling gun.

The Office.

The beginning gun is most certainly an M242 Bushmaster “chain gun”. You can catch a glimpse of the single barrel at 1:43. I used to work on them and train sailors with them.


Then there’s a Gatling gun at 2:22, that is a GAU22 (just based on the firing rate)

The next gun is a 40mm bofors. It’s clip fed of 5 rnd per clip

Then the 105

Further into the film (10:00) you can hear the cycling of a Gatling gun but they don’t show the gun

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:
The beginning gun is most certainly an M242 Bushmaster “chain gun”. You can catch a glimpse of the single barrel at 1:43. I used to work on them and train sailors with them.

The next gun is a 40mm bofors. It’s clip fed of 5 rnd per clip

Further into the film you can hear the cycling of a Gatling gun but they don’t show the gun

Look at the 2:20 mark. It seems that the video is not just one U-model gunship, but at least two aircraft, one with the chain gun, one with a gatling.

I spent about 7 years on Bradleys. I know what an M242 looks like. I've never seen a GAU-12, but I imagine it's quite a bit different from an M242.

quote:

t certainly an M242 Bushmaster “chain gun”. You can catch a glimpse of the single barrel at 1:43. I used to work on them and train sailors with them.


Then there’s a Gatling gun at 2:22,

The U-boat has the 25mm gattling (front) 40mm Bofor and 105mm cannons (both in back of wheel well)

The J (later version) has the 30mm and 105mm cannons. (only to guns)

Kirtland Afb N.M. Just received a few in 2024 from Florida, to be used as training.



https://www.afnwc.af.mil/News/...page/?videoid=935836

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I never realized that they saved their brass. Always just assumed that it was expelled outside.

Also, at 5:03, it sounds like morse code "HRT". Am I imagining things? Would they be using code up there for some reason? If so, what does HRT mean?

The AC-130 could come in handy in the LA riots.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
I never realized that they saved their brass. Always just assumed that it was expelled outside.

Everything in the “Arms” field is recyclable or returnable.

The metal pallets we got big gun ammo on was a turn in item (they re use them).

The brass cases after being fired (recycled).

OD ammo cans-turn in (they are re used or sold).

Links for MGs-re used or scrapped or sold.

And everything is tracked and reported.

quote:

Originally posted by MikeinNC:

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
I never realized that they saved their brass. Always just assumed that it was expelled outside.

Everything in the “Arms” field is recyclable or returnable.

The metal pallets we got big gun ammo on was a turn in item (they re use them).

The brass cases after being fired (recycled).

OD ammo cans-turn in (they are re used or sold).

Links for MGs-re used or scrapped or sold.

And everything is tracked and reported.

Everything we recovered from the ranges benefited MWR. We picked up a lot of aluminum. We (EOD) picked up so much on range clearances that I said I was a glorified trash man. Most of what we picked up was just scrap. I remember driving up to teh mock airfields and literally every bit of the ground was covered with practice munitions. We picked up stuff all day long for a week at a time.

I got to see a variety of aircraft live fire but never AC-130’s.

Best plane ever. I know I could have said the A-10, but I have to give the tip to the AC-130 which has been delivering the hurt for a lot longer than the A-10. It was close though. I've seen an A-10 flying, never to my knowledge have I seen an AC-130 in the air.

I was going to request someone give me an overview of the aircraft but I turned to ChatGPT.

The AC-130 and A-10 are both military aircraft used by the United States, but they serve different roles and have distinct features, especially when it comes to their armament.

### AC-130

**Role and Usage:**
The AC-130 is a gunship used primarily for close air support, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance. It's designed to provide ground troops with direct, pinpoint firepower.

**Guns and Calibers:**
1. **30mm GAU-23/A Autocannon:** Used for targeting personnel, light vehicles, and precision strikes.
2. **40mm Bofors Cannon:** Effective against light armored vehicles and fortified structures; offers a balance between rapid fire and destructive power.
3. **105mm M102 Howitzer:** This is the largest gun on the AC-130, used for destroying hard targets and providing area suppression.

The combination of varied calibers allows the AC-130 to engage different types of targets based on the mission requirements.

### A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog)

**Role and Usage:**
The A-10 is specifically designed for close air support of ground forces, targeting tanks, armored vehicles, and providing battlefield air interdiction.

**Guns and Calibers:**
1. **30mm GAU-8/A Avenger Rotary Cannon:** This primary weapon is especially notable for its anti-armor capabilities. It can fire depleted uranium armor-piercing rounds at a high rate of fire, designed to destroy tanks and armored vehicles effectively.

The A-10's main gun is renowned for its ability to penetrate heavy armor, making it particularly effective against tank columns and fortified positions.

### Key Differences

- **Primary Function:** The AC-130 functions more as a versatile flying artillery battery, providing sustained fire support, whereas the A-10 is a dedicated anti-tank aircraft.

- **Armament Focus:** The AC-130 has multiple diverse weapons for various roles, while the A-10 is specialized with its powerful rotary cannon for armored targets.

- **Operational Use:** The AC-130 can loiter and provide continuous support for extended periods, whereas the A-10 is more agile and can operate closer to direct combat zones.

Both aircraft are iconic for their roles and their ability to support ground forces with distinct, heavy-hitting firepower.