『每日軍事武器鑑賞』－ 「鬼魅」AC-130炮艇機

克里斯Chris

AC-130H Spectre
AC-130U Spooky





The AC-130H Spectre gunship's primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. Other missions include perimeter and point defense, escort, landing, drop and extraction zone support, forward air control, limited command and control, and combat search and rescue.

These heavily armed aircraft incorporate side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensor, navigation and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower or area saturation during extended periods, at night and in adverse weather.

During Vietnam, gunships destroyed more than 10,000 trucks and were credited with many life-saving close air support missions. AC-130s suppressed enemy air defense systems and attacked ground forces during Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada. This enabled the successful assault of Point Salines airfield via airdrop and airland of friendly forces.

The gunships had a primary role during Operation Just Cause in Panama by destroying Panamanian Defense Force Headquarters and numerous command and control facilities by surgical employment of ordnance in an urban environment. As the only close air support platform in the theater, Spectres were credited with saving the lives of many friendly personnel.

During Operation Desert Storm, Spectres provided air base defense and close air support for ground forces. AC-130s were also used during Operations Continue Hope and United Shield in Somalia, providing close air support for United Nations ground forces. The gunships have most recently played a pivotal role during operations in support of the NATO mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina, providing air interdiction against key targets in the Sarajevo area.

The AC-130 is an excellent fire support platform with outstanding capabilities. With its extremely accurate fire control system, the AC-130 can place 105mm, 40mm and 25mm munitions on target with first round accuracy. The crew of these aircraft are extremely proficient working in military operations in urban terrain [MOUT] environments.


The Air Force commemorated the end of an era 10 September 1995 with the retirement of the first C-130 aircraft to come off a production line. The aircraft, tail number 53-3129, went into production at the Lockheed Aircraft Co. in Marietta, Ga., in 1953 and was the original prototype of what was to become a long line of C-130 Hercules aircraft designed and built by Lockheed. The aircraft, affectionately dubbed "The First Lady," was one of five AC-130A gunship aircraft retired during an official ceremony. While the other four aircraft were sent to the Aerospace Marketing and Regeneration Center at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, the First Lady went on permanent display at the Eglin Air Force Base Armament Museum. The 919th Special Operations Wing's gunships, all around 40 years old, had reached the age of mandatory retirement. The only other gunships in the Air Force inventory are employed by active-duty members at Hurlburt Field, which has less than 20 gunships assigned.

克里斯Chris

The AC-130H ALQ-172 ECM Upgrade installs and modifies the ALQ-172 with low band jamming capability for all AC-130H aircraft. It also modifies the ALQ-172 with engineering change proposal-93 to provide increased memory and flight line reprogramming capabilities. The Air Force [WR-ALC/LUKA] issued a sole source, fixed price contract, to International Telephone & Telegraph (ITT) for development of low band jammer and subsequent production. Issue a competitive, firm fixed price contract for the Group A modifications (preparing aircraft to receive jammers).

Currently funded weight reduction and center of gravity (CG) improvements to the AC-130H aircraft include: redesign of 40mm and 105mm ammo racks using lighter weight materials; reverse engineering of 40mm and 105mm trainable gun mounts using lighter weight material; and removal of non-critical armor. These efforts are performed by a sole source contract awarded to Rock Island Arsenal.
AC-130U Spooky

Continuing the distinguished combat history of side-firing AC-130 gunships, the new AC-130U Spectre gunship is being fielded as a replacement for the AC-130A aircraft. This program acquires 13 new basic C-130H aircraft for modification and integration by Boeing to the AC-130U Gunship configuration. The AC-130U gunship airframe is integrated with an armor protection system (APS), high resolution sensors (All Light Level Television (ALLTV), infrared detection set (IDS) and strike radar), avionics and EW systems, a sophisticated software controlled fire control system, and an armament suite consisting of side-firing, trainable 25mm, 40mm, and 105mm guns. The strike radar provides the first gunship capability for all weather/night target acquisition and strike.

The acquisition program for this new gunship evolved from a Congressional mandate in the mid-1980s to revitalize the special operations force capabilties. Following the contract award to Rockwell in July 1987, the aircraft was first flown on 20 December 1990. FY92 procurement funding was increased to provide the 13th aircraft to replace the AC-130H lost during Desert Storm. Upon completing an exhaustive flight test program at Air Force Flight Test Center from 1991 to 1994 the first aircraft was delivered to AFSOC on July 1, 1994. Boeing旧 contract includes: concurrent development, aircraft production, flight test, and delivery. All aircraft have been delivered and the program is transitioning to the sustainment phase. A competitive contract for sustainment was awarded in July 1998.


The AC-130U is the most complex aircraft weapon system in the world today. It has more than 609,000 lines of software code in its mission computers and avionics systems. The newest addition to the command fleet, this heavily armed aircraft incorporates side-firing weapons integrated with sophisticated sensor, navigation and fire control systems to provide surgical firepower or area saturation during extended loiter periods, at night and in adverse weather. The sensor suite consists of an All Light Level Television system and an infrared detection set. A multi-mode strike radar provides extreme long-range target detection and identification. It is able to track 40mm and 105mm projectiles and return pinpoint impact locations to the crew for subsequent adjustment to the target. The fire control system offers a Dual Target Attack capability, whereby two targets up to one kilometer apart can be simultaneously engaged by two different sensors, using two different guns. No other air-ground attack platform in the world offers this capability. Navigational devices include the inertial navigation system (INS) and global positioning system (GPS). The aircraft is pressurized, enabling it to fly at higher altitudes, saving fuel and time, and allowing for greater range than the AC-130H. Defensive systems include a countermeasures dispensing system that releases chaff and flares to counter radar infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles. Also infrared heat shields mounted underneath the engines disperse and hide engine heat sources from infrared-guided anti-aircraft missiles.

克里斯Chris

The AC-130U P3I program develops and procures modifications that correct software and hardware deficiencies of the AC-130U fleet discovered during flight tests and that were outside the scope of the original FY86 contract. These modifications will include the following: combine all necessary software requirements for the System Integration Test (SIT) system and hardware and software improvements for the APQ-180 strike radar system; upgrade the Tactical Situation Map; improve core avionics and computers required for the multi-mission advanced tactical terminal/integrated defense avionics system installation; upgrade the EW suite; and modify the software/hardware required for the trainable gun mounts.

The AC-130H/U, AAQ-26 Infrared Detection Set (IDS) Upgrade program modifies the optics on the AN/AAQ-17 Infrared Detection Set (IDS) currently installed on 13 AC-130U and 8 AC-130H Gunship aircraft to the AN/AAQ-26 configuration. The AC-130U wiring, Operational Flight Program (OFP), Control Displays Program (CDP), Trackhandle, bus multiplier (BMUX), control panels, and variable slow rate feature will be modified. The AC-130H will also be modified. Support equipment, spares, and tech data for both aircraft will be modified as required to support the AN/AAQ-26 configuration. Mission requirements dictate a significant enhancement in target detection, recognition, and identification ranges to decrease aircraft vulnerability. A sole source fixed price incentive contract was awared to Raytheon for design, modification, and installation; with directed sub to Lockheed Aerospace Systems Ontario (LASO) for integration of the AN/AAQ-26 on the AC-130H and Rockwell for software integration of the AN/AAQ-26 on the AC-130U.

The United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) has a requirement for a C-130 engine infrared (IR) signature suppression system to provide Special Operations Forces (SOF) C-130 aircraft with an IR signature reduction equal to or better than existing systems at a lower cost of ownership. The primary difficulties with present suppressor systems are low reliability and poor maintainability. This C-130 Engine Infrared Suppression (EIRS) Program system will be used on AC-130H/U, MC-130E/H/P, and EC-130E aircraft. The key requirements for the Engine IR Suppression system are: (a) improved reliability and maintainability over existing systems to result in lower total cost of ownership; (b) IR signature suppression levels as good as the current engine shield system (aka. Tubs); (c) no adverse impacts to aircraft performance and ability to accomplish SOF missions; (d) complete interchangeability between engine positions and identified aircraft types. The suppressor is expected to be a semi-permanent installation, with removal being primarily for servicing, allowing the aircraft to perform all required missions with the suppressors installed. There will be up to two competitive contracts awarded for the initial phases of development with a downselect to one contractor for the completion of development and production. The contract will contain fixed price options for procurement, installation, and sustainment of the system.

The Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) program develops and procures 60 systems and provides 59 SOF aircraft (AC-130H/U, MC-130E/H) with a DIRCM system capability. The DIRCM system will work in conjunction with other onboard self-protection systems to enhance the aircraft旧 survivability against currently deployed infrared guided missiles. Growth is planned to add a capability to detect and counter advanced threats. Execution of this program is in concert with a joint US/UK cooperative development/ production effort with the UK as lead. Development and acquisition of the DIRCM system will be in accordance with UK procurement laws/regulations. UK designation for this program is "Operational Emergency Requirements 3/89."

克里斯Chris

Specifications
	AC-130H Spectre	AC-130U Spooky
Primary Function:	Close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance
Contractor:	Lockheed Aircraft Corp.
Power Plant:	Four Allison turboprop engines T56-A-15
Thrust:	Each engine 4,910 horsepower
Length:	97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)
Height:	38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:	155,000 pounds (69,750 kilograms)
Wingspan:	132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)
Range:	1,500 statute miles (1,300 nautical miles) Unlimited with air refueling	2,200 nautical miles Unlimited with air refueling
Ceiling:	25,000 feet (7,576 meters)	30,000 ft.
Speed:	300 mph (Mach 0.40) (at sea level)
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)
Countermeasures	AN/AAQ-24 Directional Infrared Countermeasures (DIRCM) AN/AAR-44 infrared warning receiver AN/AAR-47 missile warning system AN/ALE-47 flare and chaff dispensing system AN/ALQ-172 Electronic Countermeasure System AN/ALQ-196 Jammer AN/ALR-69 radar warning receiver AN/APR-46A panoramic RF receiver QRC-84-02 infrared countermeasures system
Crew:	14 -- five officers (pilot, co-pilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer); nine enlisted (flight engineer, loadmaster, low-light TV operator, infrared detection set operator, five aerial gunners)	13 total. Five officers (pilot, copilot, navigator, fire control officer, electronic warfare officer); 8 enlisted (flight engineer, All Light Level TV operator, infrared- detection set operator, four airborne gunners, loadmaster)
Unit Cost:	$46.4 million (1992 dollars)	$72 million
Date Deployed:	1972	1995
Inventory:	Active force, 8; Reserve, 0; ANG, 0	13 aircraft assigned to 16th Special Operation Wing's 4th Special Operations Squadron.

克里斯Chris

文章來自：「鬼魅」AC-130炮艇機　攻擊如手術般精準

克里斯Chris

「鬼魅」AC-130炮艇機

最新的型號是AC-130U. 這是規格

Powerplant (動力)


Four Allison T56-A-15 turboprop engines rated at 4,910 horsepower each(4具T56-A-15渦輪引擎, 每具4910馬力)


Dimensions(尺寸規格)


Length(長度):


97 feet, 9 inches (29.8 meters)




Wingspan(寬度):


132 feet, 7 inches (40.4 meters)


Height(高度):


38 feet, 6 inches (11.7 meters)


Weights(重量)


Empty(空重):


75,743 lb (AC-130U)


Maximum Takeoff(最大起飛重量):


175,000 lb (AC-130U)


Performance(性能)


Speed(速度):


300 mph (Mach 0.40) (at sea level)


Ceiling(飛行高度):


25,000 feet (7,576 meters) -- AC-130H
30,000 feet -- AC-130U


Range(飛行半徑):


Approximately 1,300 nautical miles; unlimited with air refueling; 2,200 nm for AC-130U Spooky (約1300國際哩)


Armament(武裝)





One 25mm Gatling gun, one 40mm and one 105mm cannon (AC-130U Spooky) (1具25mm格林機炮, 砲彈3000發;1具40mm加農炮,砲彈256發;1具105mm加農炮, 砲彈100發(低後座力型)).


Service Life(服役年齡)


First Flight(首次飛行):


August 13, 1954 (YC-130A)
December 20, 1990 (AC-130U)


End of Service(除役時間):


N/A(尚未)


Number Built(服役數量):


AC-130A (19) + AC-130E (11) + AC-130H (10) + AC-130U (13) [53 total]




AC-130基本上是美軍為了因應越戰的火力投射需求所開發的武器, 以運輸機C-130為母體, 在機體的左側裝設了短距離速射炮, 中距離及長距離加農炮. 使用方式為飛機本身持續地以逆時鐘方向繞圈, 設於左側的火炮則向圓心持續射擊. 由於火炮位於空中, 反砲兵雷達無法偵測計算出火炮位置, 或是計算出來卻無法以火炮反擊, 只能不停的承受由空中而來的砲擊, AC-130可以滯空很久, 能夠持續數小時不停的砲擊, 因此而得鬼怪之名. 其最大武器M102 型105mm加農炮, 射速可達6-10發/分鐘, 機上載彈數100發.


但是這種武器卻是有缺點而無法適應現代戰場, 以至於除了越戰及一些低強度戰爭以外, 少見AC-130出現於戰場上.


AC-130的缺點是必須要具有絕對空優的戰場環境才能使用. 因為AC-130的航速慢, 最大速度僅0.4馬赫, 運動性能低, 不具有自衛武器. 而且搭載的105mm炮由於機體的強度不足以承受強大的後座力, 是採用改裝的低後座力型, 也因此最大射程僅十幾公里. 假如敵方有中距離的防空飛彈, 或是有空中武力, 哪怕是老舊的Mig-21, AC-130根本是活靶, 雖然有裝載了熱焰彈及干擾絲等防護裝置, 但是仍然是防衛力不足. 因此, 美軍在中高強度的戰場, 不會使用AC-130, 而會使用F-15E進行對地攻擊任務. 或是A-10來進行密支作戰.

克里斯Chris

AC-130戰機在阿富汗空襲中首次亮相

美國國防部一位高級官員10月15日說，美軍15日在對阿富汗坎大哈的空襲中，首次使用了AC-130“武裝飛船”。

    據路透社報道，這位不愿透露姓名的官員說，AC-130“武裝飛船”是美國空軍破壞力最強的飛機之一，是四引擎渦輪飛機，這種飛機善于超低空飛行。

    但是該官員沒有透露AC-130“武裝飛船”打擊的具體目標是什么。

    AC-130“武裝飛船”也稱“幽靈”，是美國在C－130運輸機上發展的一種專用特種作戰飛機。專為特種作戰部隊提供火力支援，也可獨立作戰，對敵后方目標實施攻擊。

    AC－130與C－130的主要區別是：在左側機身上有高高隆起的天線整流罩、氣流擋氣罩、炮管以及相應的輔助艙口和炮眼。在機翼下的挂架上還有電子對抗吊艙。

    AC－130H裝有兩門20毫米"火神"6管航炮，每門備彈3000發，正常射速為 2500發／分，最大射速為6000發／分﹔一門40毫米自動炮，備彈256發﹔一門105毫米人工裝填式榴彈炮，備彈100發。后者是在陸軍用的榴彈炮的基礎上改進而成的，炮管縮短了，并配有專用炮架。機上還安裝了兩挺7.62毫米機槍，并攜帶激光制導炸彈。

    AC－130H的電子設備也很先進，能夠保証AC－130H以超低空的高度飛入預定空域。這些電子設備有慣性導航系統、"培康"和"羅蘭"－C無線電導航系統。前視紅外裝置、激光目標指示器、環視雷達和微光電視攝像系統。為了更好地觀察地面，機上還有探照燈。

    AC－130H的自身防護系統也很好。它有自動告警裝置、電子干擾設備、紅外誘餌吊艙等。機身下部加裝了防護裝甲，一般的輕武器很難擊穿它。AC－130H直到1990年才完成改裝，進入部隊服役。

克里斯Chris

http://gb.ettoday.com.tw/2001/10/17/1168-1208924.htm

首度動用殺傷力非常強大的AC-130砲艇機，對阿富汗坎達哈爾進行攻擊，引起各界矚目。AC-130砲艇機是由著名的C-130運輸機改裝而成，側面配備105mm榴彈砲，40mm機關砲，以及一分鐘可以發射2500發的高速機槍，可以在低空長時間盤旋，不論白晝或夜晚全天候出擊，對地面上敵方集結的部隊，戰車以及大型目標，傾卸大量而具有毀滅性的火力，或是向外科手術般精準的針對特定目標進行攻擊。

由於毀滅性強大，在越戰期間，美軍曾給它取了個「噴火魔龍」的綽號，後來新的機種則是有「鬼魅」的稱號。除了越戰，包括格瑞內達、索馬利亞以及波士尼亞等重要的海外戰役，美軍都曾經部屬AC-130砲艇機。

除此之外，AC-130可以用於搜索及救援行動，並且常常出動支援小型的地面特種部隊行動，不過美軍首度出動，是否代表美軍的地面特種部隊已經開始行動，目前還是不得而知。