Together, the AC-47 and the AC-130J will perform a gunship legacy flight at the upcoming EAA AirVenture, on July 30 and July 31.The AC-130J is a CAS, air interdiction, and armed reconnaissance platform optimized for convoy escort, point defense, and supporting urban combat. The Ghostrider is also important for close air support missions, such as convoy escort. One of its “ specialties” is conducting air interdiction missions, where reconnaissance and strike coordination tasks are performed against pre-planned targets. The AC-130J Ghostrider, on the other hand, is still operating. Restored as John Levitow’s Medal of Honor aircraft, it can only be seen at the American Flight Museum in Topeka. Designed as a gunship, Spooky was famous thanks to its 7.62 mm mini-guns that were able to fire 6,000 rounds per minute, with the aircraft carrying a total of 54,000 rounds.įuture models, like the AC-119 and the AC-130, took over the gunship role later on, but the AC-47 is still remembered for its pioneering role.

As Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programming, underlined, the show is a rare occasion to see some of these special operations units that even military aircraft aficionados might know little about.Īlso known as ' Puff the Magic Dragon', the AC-47 Spooky was based on the C-47 Skytrain, which was intensively used by the Army Air Force during WWII. This is where the Air Force Special Operations Command Air Commandos and aircraft will be offering visitors a great sight of their untamed force. The world’s largest airshow will take place between July 26 and August 1, at the Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. “ Escaping” from the museum in Topeka, an AC-47 Spooky went for a flight together with the younger AC-130J Ghostrider, as they prepare for the EAA AirVenture, one of the most impressive aviation shows today.

Air force gunship ghost