Hypothetical AC-130 replacement

"Peter Kemp" wrote in message
...
On Sun, 22 Feb 2004 22:22:41 -0700, Frank Vaughan
wrote:

In message , Peter
Kemp wrote:

Something to add to the mix - the USAF is testing the launching of
Viper Strike (BAT with an additional laser seeker) from C-130s, with a
view to replacing the 105mm on the AC-130 fleet. The idea being a
105mm round is about the same size, so you get more stored kills
without the single point of failure of the gun itself.

Interesting, and I don't dispute the facts.

I do, wonder, however, just how often that single point of
failure has failed.

I flew as a gunner on the AC-130E in VN, and never had a single
mission failure of the 105 (or the 40mm for that matter).

Fair enough - as an alternative theory (just off the top of my head) -
are there any more of the type of the 105mm used in the AC-130 left in
inventory to alter for the 4 new AC-130U they just announced?

Sure. It is a modified M102. Last I knew there were still some of those in
service with some ARNG light units who had yet to field the M119 light gun,
and a bunch of them have been recently taken from the units that have
already recieved the new guns.


Maybe they're forced to do it, or maybe they like the idea of not
having to roll into geometry over a convoy, merely fly along it,
lobbing a canister out every couple of seconds (though the trials
involve a downward firing launcher - not sure where it's mounted).

Can't see why they can't have both capabilities in place (replace a few
105mm rounds with a few BAT canisters). The 105mm has some possible uses the
BAT's can't fill. Using a BAT against a bunker with a four or five foot
thick roof would seem to be kind of iffy; a couple of direct hits with that
105mm can do the trick. The 105mm could be configured to fire thermobaric
rounds if so desired--don't think a BAT could do that very well.

Brooks


Anyway, thanks for weighing in Frank, always nice to get an expert
opinion.

Peter Kemp