Gunship operations in Iraq and Afghanistan are pointing Air Force Special Operations Command (Afsoc) to a speed and precision strike as they look to define their future close air support aircraft. The AC-130H/U aircraft are heavily tasked in both operational areas, and they are nearly always on the scene during major raids on terrorist targets to provide cover for ground soldiers. Recent experience has "confirmed the requirement for the gunship niche," says Afsoc representative Maj. Brian Strang. "We have continued to prove the requirement for persistent close-in, low-yield fires in support of [special operators] and conventional ground forces."
展开▼
