Night Hunters : The AC-130s and Their Role in US Airpower / William P. Head.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Head, William P., 1949-

Series:

Williams-Ford Texas A&M University military history series ; no. 145.

Williams-Ford Texas A&M University military history series ; no. 145

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Aerial operations, American.

Vietnam War, 1961-1975.

Air power--United States--History--21st century.

Air power.

Air power--United States--History--20th century.

Spectre (Gunship)--History.

Spectre (Gunship).

Genre:

Electronic books.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (436 pages) : illustrations, photographs.

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

College Station, Texas : Texas A&M University Press, 2014.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

In Night Hunters, air power historian William P. Head provides the first detailed study of the development and deployment of the AC-130 gunship. While other airframes and other types of close air support (CAS) and interdiction weapon systems preceded or flew with the AC-130s, this four-engine cargo airframe proved to be not only the longest serving fixed-wing gunship but also the most effective by far.During the Vietnam War, the US military developed new tactics and weapons systems to counter a diversity of enemy tactics and geographic features, the difficult climate, and the shifting diplomatic context. One of the most important was the development of the AC-130. Its ability to transport heavier payloads at higher altitudes across longer distances made it the logical choice to be the final Vietnam-era fixed-wing gunship and the only one that continues to fly missions in the twenty-first century. In addition, it employed many of the most advanced weapons, sensors, targeting devices, and fire control systems of the 1970s or of any era.By recounting both the technical development and the combat operations of the plane, and by looking at the proposed alternatives for its use in the War on Terror, Night Hunters offers a clear view of the role of gunships and of close air support in US wars. In today's never-ending brushfire wars, the AC-130s continue to uphold their reputation for excellence.

Contents:

The origins of the US fixed-wing gunships in Vietnam

The AC-119G/K gunship program: an overview

A wondrous variety: moving towards the Spectre

Final production and development and operations in Vietnam

Expansion of the AC-130 fleet: it really was a surprise package

Development and deployment of the new AC-130s

The war grinds on

Linebacker I and II: America's involvement winds down

"Goodbye Vietnam!": the AC-130s transition

AC-130s and the birth of US Special Operations Command

The early 1990s: the Persian Gulf to Somalia

The late 1990s: repair, upgrade, and a new model

AC-130s on the fringes: Kosovo and Operation Allied Force

Operation Enduring Freedom

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Recent events, modifications, and policy decisions

Conclusion: some final thoughts about the night hunters

Notes

Glossary of acronyms.

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

1-62349-150-9

OCLC:

878130662