AC-130

[BMT (RIP)]

http://lvlranch.com/images/iraqiinsurgents-takeout.wmv

BMT

[Spartan359]

http://lvlranch.com/images/iraqiinsurgents-takeout.wmv

BMT

Sir, I think that video was taken from an AH-64 Apache. I have that video on my hard-drive and I've seen it labeled as a F.L.I.R video from an Apache all over the net. The version I have is of a higher resolution and you can see the HUD interface on the screen better. I can try to post it if you want.

[The Reaper]

I agree.

The tape runs for quite a while, and the perspective is from the same side the entire time, as the firing appears to be. The AC-130 would be in an orbit, not on a constant heading.

I think that it is being spotted from a helicopter, and likely the firing is from a chopper as well.

TR

[Team Sergeant]

Ditto,
It also appears to be a ship that is very close to the BG's. The sound of the guns sure doesn’t sound like they do coming from an AC-130. They also seem to be coming from a much lower angle and not from a high up “downwards” position. If you’ve ever been in an AC-130 while it’s firing the gattling guns it looks as if someone is firing a shotgun from far above. And my last point, why waste the bullets when just one 105, or maybe two 40mm rounds would have done the job.

TS

[moobob]

If you look closely you can see "TADS," target aquisition designation/system. Thats how the system is labeled on Apaches. The weapon used is the Apache's 30mm chain gun. It's able to be aimed through a wide field of fire, guided by TADS or through a little lens in front of the gunner's eye that shows hud information.

You can aim the gun just by turning your head and looking at something.

I'm definitely not an expert, but I'm pretty sure that's accurate info.

[Spartan359]

I agree.

I think that it is being spotted from a helicopter, and likely the firing is from a chopper as well.

TR


It is Sir. The version I have has a weapons status indicator on the bottom of the HUD and when the helo fires it ticks down. The helo started with approximately 300 rounds and ended with 208. If you gentlemen are interested I do have a video of an AC-130 doing its deed in Afghanistan.

TS what is the price of one 105mm round compared to ninety-two 30mm rounds?

[The Reaper]

It is Sir. The version I have has a weapons status indicator on the bottom of the HUD and when the helo fires it ticks down. The helo started with approximately 300 rounds and ended with 208. If you gentlemen are interested I do have a video of an AC-130 doing its deed in Afganistan.

TS what is the price of one 105mm round compared to ninety-two 30mm rounds?

Much less.

92 rounds to kill three guys and two trucks?

TR

[Spartan359]

Much less.

92 rounds to kill three guys and two trucks?

TR


I didn't know the cost of an 105mm. Yes Sir, it took 92 rounds.

[QRQ 30]

IIRC this film or a similar one was used to accuse us of firing on unarmed, non-combatants. That story didn't work since enhancement showed the guy was armed. It may be a different clip.

Also, just my guess, from the time on target and based upon what little I know of present day ROE, I think that there may have been a video feed to a higher commander who gave the "OK" to fire!

I'm mostly in the dark on the new tactics and ROEs but to think that someone in theater or higher command can be watching and calling the shots interests me.

It scares the $hit out of me too. I saw enough "micro-management" in my day. :rolleyes:

[CPTAUSRET]

Little history lesson.

When I first started flying gunships we were issued 6lb warheads, they didn't do much, but flew pretty well. Next we were up graded to 10 pounders, did a lot more good but didn't fly as well, then we got 17 pounders (ea equivalent to a 105) they did a great job, but since we were using the same solid propellant nitrocellulose/nitroglycerin 2.75 in rocket body which was originally designed to be fired from fast movers. Their airspeed gave the rockets lot of momentum and inherent stability, as compared to a B model gunship which was overloaded to the point that it wouldn't even hover, and top speed on a target attack never much exceeded 80-85 knots. Sooo, the 17 pounders pretty much blooped out there, and didn't travel very far, thus limiting accurately.

Flying the Cobra helped some with the greater airspeed, perhaps 150 knots in a target attack, and the fact that the cobra held 72 of these beauties, which could all be salvoed in approx 3-6 seconds, this meant that you could be pretty effective with what is an area fire weapon, if you were willing to hang your ass out enough to get close enough that missing was not an issue.

Terry

[QRQ 30]

Terry:
I have heard tales of the rocket fins hanging up and going beserk and even returnin g to the ship. Is there any truth to this or is it just an old fashioned "war story"? :eek:

[CPTAUSRET]

Terry:
I have heard tales of the rocket fins hanging up and going beserk and even returnin g to the ship. Is there any truth to this or is it just an old fashioned "war story"? :eek:

The fins were folded alongside the rear of the rocket, we set the releast point of the rocket at 100 lbs of thrust, once the rockets reached 100lbs thrust they launched from the tube. The only problems I experienced was when the pods had taken battle damage and were shot up. Sometimes the rockets would hang in the pod for awhile before launching, the fear in this instance was that other rockets would burn, causing a nasty fire. We had explosive bolts which would jettison the pods in this case. I have had a few errant rockets but never had one come back at me.

Terry

[frostfire]

another old video
I assume this one is accurately labeled AC-130 based on the circular move, # of flight personnel, and 40mm?

(put the www and save as)
nata2.info/war/AC-130U_gunship_video_lo.wmv

[one-zero]

I remember when this clip was s/nf.
As QRQ mentions, some pilow-biters try to use these pieces to show that WE are bad. The argument relating to this one was ref killing the wounded guy crawling from under a truck after initial engagement. As many of you remember basic infantry ambush- you could kill-em during the initial fires and while sweeping across, yet weren't supposed to finish the job if any were still living once you set out to exploit the KZ, blow weapons inplace etc...
Much like the situation where the Marine was on video shooting the terrorist playing dead.
ROE for terrorists are different and the pillow-biters pull their hair out over it, in actuality these Apache guys were quite patient - the tipper proved good and initial siting of the RPG being stashed was enough to go hot on the objective - either way that was some sweet TV!

[Monsoon65]

That's what really tightens my colon. As far as I'm concerned, the helicopter guys took their time identifying them as bad guys. They just didn't hose the area down, then fly back to base for a beer. They acted properly under their ROEs.

Unfortunately, there are too many people who see this, or an edited version, and whine about the US being too meeny to these people.

[brewmonkey]

I had this conversation with my sister (PhD type) who only saw the edited version and naturally was" appalled" with the behavior of American soldiers. When I showed her the unedited version where you clearly see the go in the field pulling the rocket from the bag she changed her tune.