AC-130 Taking Out Bad Guys

[robin303]

Weasel Zippers Blog Archive Thursday Afternoon War Porn…

 

[Texan2]

incredible firepower....

 

[majormadmax]

I have a good bud who flies gunships, and know several other AC-130 drivers; it's one of the USAF's most awesome platforms!

The C-130 itself is an incredible aircraft, but the Spectres and Spookys are definitely a cut above. They'll ruin an insurgent's day in a heartbeat!

Cheers! M2

 

[TheDan]

"war porn"

 

[lalonguecarabine]

View attachment 7197

 

[jtriron]

Talk about a pile of spent brass !!!!!!

 

[kyletxria1911a1]

werent they also known as puff the magic dragon?

 

[Mikewood]

From thousands of feet up it's hard to tell good guys from bad and in a lawless country it's very important for every civilian to carry guns.
That's why we send people in to who is who and shoot only bad guys.
I hope the intel was correct and only bad guys were killed on that video.

 

[majormadmax]

werent they also known as puff the magic dragon?

That was the AC-47, the AC-130's predecessor that was used in Vietnam...

An awesome aircraft as well (both the slick and gunship versions)!

Cheers! M2

 

[majormadmax]

From thousands of feet up it's hard to tell good guys from bad and in a lawless country it's very important for every civilian to carry guns.
That's why we send people in to who is who and shoot only bad guys.
I hope the intel was correct and only bad guys were killed on that video.

While not perfect, there is a system in place in which ground troops can communicate with the aircraft to direct fire which significantly reduces the chance of civilian casualties. Many times there are actual Air Force combat controllers assigned to the ground units to facilitate the air support.

Many times that you read about civilian casualties, it is due to the insurgents using them as "human shields" or even simply propaganda on the enemy's part. Still, this was one of the reasons GEN McChrystal greatly restricted the ROE in Afghanistan; to minimize collateral damage on civilians. Of course, since he was relieved of command thanks to that stupid Rolling Stone article and a CinC that doesn't put the country's well-being above his own ego, that has all gone by the wasteside...

Cheers! M2