AC-47 Spooky

The AC‑47 Spooky, a conversion of the Douglas C‑47 Skytrain, became the first dedicated gunship in United States military aviation. Developed in 1964 during the early stages of the Vietnam War, the aircraft was modified by the 1st Air Commando Wing at Nha Trang Air Base. Three .50‑caliber machine guns were mounted in the cargo door opening, firing forward through a set of custom‑built gun mounts, while a fire‑control system allowed the crew to aim by visual reference to ground targets. The gunship could also carry flares and napalm, providing illumination and close‑in fire support for troops engaged in jungle combat. Its low‑speed, high‑maneuverability and the ability to loiter for up to two hours made it an effective platform for suppressing enemy ambushes and interdicting supply routes. The AC‑47’s success led directly to the development of the more capable AC‑130 series, establishing the concept of a heavily armed, airborne fire support platform that is still employed today. As a pioneer of aerial gunship doctrine, the Spooky demonstrated how a relatively inexpensive transport could be transformed into a decisive weapon, influencing both U.S. and foreign air forces for decades.

Douglas

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