In 1970 this aircraft was converted to an AC-130A gunship, deployed to Southeast Asia in 1971 and flew numerous combat missions, returning to the U.S. in June 1975. In 1991 it deployed to the Persian Gulf and participated in Desert Storm combat operations before being retired and flown to the Museum in 1995.
Lockheed AC-130A
Spectre
The Lockheed AC-130 gunship carries a wide array of anti-ground oriented weapons that are integrated with sophisticated sensors, navigation, and fire-control systems. Unlike other military fixed-wing aircraft, the AC-130 relies on visual targeting. Because its large profile and low operating altitudes (around 7,000 ft) make it an easy target, it usually flies close air support missions at night.