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Douglas AC-47D Spooky

Douglas · Gunship / Close Air Support / Close Air Support / Armed Overwatch (Night) · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)

Douglas AC-47D Spooky — Gunship / Close Air Support / Close Air Support / Armed Overwatch (Night)
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The Douglas AC-47 Spooky was the first in a series of fixed-wing gunships developed by the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. It was designed to provide more firepower than light and medium ground-attack aircraft in certain situations when ground forces called for close air support.

Specifications

Category
Fixed Wing
Sub-Category
Gunship
Domain
Defence
Era
Early Jet (1946–1969)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
Douglas
Co-Manufacturer
USAF modification
Operator
USAF (retired) / South Vietnam / Laos / Cambodia
Primary Role
Gunship / Close Air Support / Close Air Support / Armed Overwatch (Night)
Status
Retired
Service Entry
1964
Produced
53
Propulsion
Piston
Engine
2x Pratt & Whitney R-1830-90D Twin Wasp radial
Thrust / Power
1,200 hp each
Launch
Ground
Length (ft)
64.5
Wingspan (ft)
95.1
Empty Weight (lb)
16970
MTOW (lb)
26900
Endurance (hr)
7
Service Ceiling (ft)
24000
Range (mi)
1350
Max Speed (mph)
192
Armament
3x SUU-11/A 7.62mm Minigun pods (6,000 rounds/min each) in left-side windows and door; 45 flares for illumination