March 16, 2005

Choppers by Day. Spooky by Night?

THE HEADLINE SAYS Operation Swarmer Expected to Last Days. And there will be as many nights too.

The announced use of aircraft centers on helicopters:

The U.S. command in Baghdad said it was the largest number of aircraft used to insert troops and the largest number of troops inserted by air, although larger numbers of troops overall have been involved in previous operations.

In recent months U.S. forces have routinely used helicopters to insert troops during operations against insurgent strongholds, especially in the Euphrates River valley between Baghdad and the Syrian border. U.S. warplanes are always in the air, ready to strike targets under direction from troops on the ground.

A Pentagon spokesman underscored that "no bombs, missiles or other ordnance were fired from the helicopters."

Now it goes without saying that air support is always close at hand for this kind of operation, but exactly what sort of air support might it be?

Well, without a lot of fanfare, this sort of air support is back in Iraq:


Spooky's Back: "Good Night and Good Luck"

Lethal 'flying gunships' returning to Iraq

What sort of weapon is "Spooky?" Let's just say you don't want to be on the wrong side below this platform: AC-130H Spectre "Spooky"

Armament: two M61 20mm Vulcan cannons with 3,000 rounds; one L60 40mm Bofors cannon with 256 rounds; one M102 105mm howitzer with 100 rounds; one 25mm GAU-12 Gatling gun (1,800 rounds per minute); one L60 40mm Bofors cannon (100 shots per minute); one M102 105mm cannon (6-10 rounds per minute)

And it loves to work nights.

Posted by Vanderleun at March 16, 2005 1:10 PM
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"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper N.B.: Comments are moderated and may not appear immediately. Comments that exceed the obscenity or stupidity limits will be either edited or expunged.

Yep. These assets are devastating. Also, they reduce the risk that ground troops have to face (wonderful for our boys) and they can apply more firepower in seconds than a company of infantry. In addition, they need to get in some practice before the next step in the Long War.

Posted by: Chester at March 16, 2006 3:42 PM

Thank-you for your insights and may the wind be at the backs of our wonderful troops. I can always count on this site for depth and information.

Posted by: teri at March 16, 2006 8:51 PM

Having spent many nights watching Spooky work I can say this ...

There is and has never been a more frightening weapon of war created.

With the exception of gas.

Spooky can do that too.

HERE is what it looks like at night. At work.

Posted by: Steel Turman at March 18, 2006 11:40 PM