AC 130H Spectre: The Final Chapter

[PirateVOL]

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/XRsYDYnv1rg#t=241" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/XRsYDYnv1rg#t=241</a>

They are, in reality, E model (1969) C-130s.  They got upgraded to H model designation at some point but the basic systems are still E model systems.  However, they can still put a 105 round up a gnat's ass, with room to spare. 

I spent a large part of my life flying on, modifying (at about the :30 and :35 second mark you can see the front eyes of and at the 2:02 minute mark, in the upper right, you can see the edge of my latest toy), testing and maintaining these old birds.  It will be a sad day when they are retired ... 

[Tnphil]

When I was stationed in Okinawa we use to hop C-130 flights over to the Philippines for a little R&R.....and some other things.

I was in a Navy P-3 squadron stationed at Kadena AFB.

[Navol]

When I was stationed in Okinawa we use to hop C-130 flights over to the Philippines for a little R&R.....and some other things.

I was in a Navy P-3 squadron stationed at Kadena AFB.

I was once in the Philippines on a "Space A" ticket over the holiday season;  I had an early Julian date, so we managed to get on a C-130 headed back to Okinawa, leaving a mob of similar travelers behind. When we got  to Okinawa, they were all waiting on us! A C-141 availability opened up just after we left Clark, and they all got on that bird and passed us up.

[volsboy]

An amazing aircraft. I have seen the Spectre in action. It is an awe inspiring site. But not for the bad guys.

[Tnphil]

I was once in the Philippines on a "Space A" ticket over the holiday season;  I had an early Julian date, so we managed to get on a C-130 headed back to Okinawa, leaving a mob of similar travelers behind. When we got  to Okinawa, they were all waiting on us! A C-140 availability opened up just after we left Clark, and they all got on that bird and passed us up.

I flew on C-141's all over the world courtesy of the U.S. Air Force....One fine flying aircraft.

[PirateVOL]

I flew on C-141's all over the world courtesy of the U.S. Air Force....One fine flying aircraft.

as long as the underfloor heat was working ...

[Navol]

as long as the underfloor heat was working ...

Roger that; I then flew all the way from Okinawa to Tokyo  on a frosty C-141 holding my feet up off the cabin floor!

[FLVOL]

I have some videos we shot with helmet cams about this time last year I will send you. Some A10 stuff as well if you are interested. good stuff......

[Black Diamond Vol]

So I guess they're turning it all over to the U's, right (at least until they figure out how to mount a 105 on a drone)?

[PirateVOL]

So I guess they're turning it all over to the U's, right (at least until they figure out how to mount a 105 on a drone)?

The U-Boats will carry the heavy load.

In the short term, the AC-130Ws (H2 slicks that were originally modified to be semi-Talons, that were then modified with a precision strike capability).  In the long term, AC-130Js.  At least initially the intent is to cross deck the precision strike across to the Js.
http://www.af.mil/AboutUs/FactSheets/Display/tabid/224/Article/104485/ac-130w-stinger-ii.aspx
http://www.afsoc.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123331866

AFSOC is recappitalizing to more or less an all C-130J fleet (except for the U-Boats).

[volmeister]

Me and my family flew from McGuire AFB to Torrejon AFB in Madrid back in the early 60's on a C-130.   Took about 16 hours with a stop to refuel in the Azore Islands.