AC-130H Spectre

Project Pave Spectre began in 1971 to support combat operations in Southeast Asia. Eleven C-130Es were converted to AC-130Es and modified with 7.62mm, 20mm and 40mm guns, Infared and Low Light Level Television sensors, "Black Crow" detection set, digital fire control systems and electronic warfare suites. In 1972, the Air Force opted to remove the 7.62mm guns and replaced the 40mm gun with a 105mm cannon to increase range and firepower. AC-130E gunships were eventually re-designated as AC-130Hs after receiving more powerful engines. Spectre gunships continued to serve in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia from bases in Thailand until the 16th SOS relocated to Hurlburt Field in December 1976. The AC-130Hs were modified with aerial refueling capability in the late 1970s, and four shared a world record for a non-stop flight from Hurlburt Field, Florida to Guam in November, 1979. In April 1980, four AC-130H gunships, including Wicked Wanda, participated in Operation EAGLE CLAW, the attempted rescue of American hostages in Iran. In 1983, Wicked Wanda was the lead AC-130H during Operation URGENT FURY, the liberation of Grenada and in 1989 participated in Operation JUST CAUSE. It also participated in covert surveillance and intelligence collection missions over El Salvador and Panama and flew interdiction missions in Iraq during Operation DESERT STORM.

Hurlburt Field, Florida · United States