My father was an original crew member on AC-139A, The First Lady. He flew 125 missions over "The Trail" during Vietnam. He was an Aerial Photographer. He returned with the DFC and 8 and Air Medals. My love to all the crews on these formidable, yet often very vulnerable birds. Thanks for s great podcast!!!!
@@CHECK6-963 Well obviously an AC-130 operator/team would want an A2A escort and to be aware of threats from the ground, just like IRL. If you're trying to make the argument that the module shouldn't exist for those reasons, then I really don't agree with you. Your comment is pretty useless TBH.
@@CHECK6-963 With all due respect to your real world combat experience, (and I meant that sincerely), I just don't see your point. The AC-130 exists in RL and has a purpose despite it's A2A and G2A vulnerabilities. Why shouldn't it exist in a simulation of RL where the same vulnerabilities are being simulated? The A-10C is vulnerable to A2A threats too, does that make the Warthog module irrelevant? Your logic is confusing and your comment is not very constructive.
The stories are the best part... not trying to take away from your hardwork, Sir. Had to stop listening halfway through to watch videos of the AC-130 in action. Just awesome. As always, I admire the professionalism of all your guests, and of course you as well. Keep up the excellent work! Great dedication. RIP gentlemen.
Shout out to Bill. He’s working on the BOOKS about the history of the AC 130. I planning on getting autographed copies when they release. Great dude! He was on the 105 High Frag project , and SDB project. Had the privilege of meeting him at CampPerry when he was on the. AF Rifle Team. He had some great stories.
The title of the AC-130 Combat History series is "Ghostriders" The author is William Walter (you can google the title and author name for more detail). First book is 1968-1975 (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia). Second book is 1976-1995 (Iran, Grenada, El Salvador, Panama, Kuwait/Iraq, Bosnia, Somalia. Simon Schuster is distributor. First book will be available on 2-22-2022 second will be available in April of 2022.
Once upon a time, I was attached to the 919th SOS. Got to work with a lot of great people. Being around Air Commandos, with what they do, and all the different mission sets that can come out of Hurlburt is VERY interesting. Kudos for this one. =)
@@jamese3169 We can help! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077XJHBCM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ftrpltpdcst18-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B077XJHBCM&linkId=71ba36c8d553658627b03164e71cc619
Hey Jell-O, as always a very informative podcast, recently the AC-130U Spooky was retired, sad in my opinion. Also if I recall correctly, in the movie Olympus has fallen, the AC-130 was shown shooting down a pair of F-22s and attacking the White House. Stay safe(and your family and friends) and keep the awesome content rolling in. RIP the crew of Spirit 03.
So they mention it in this I’m still listening but FUN FACT: the C-130 Gunships in Vietnam did in fact have a FLIR Camera for Targeting. I only mention it because so many people (including former military) think FLIR is something new. They used FLIR on them and even on the CIAs secret Hughes 500 variant they named “the quiet one” where they attempted to make a stealth (noise signature) the FLIR camera and a terrain following radar. Just remember a stealth aircraft means it reduces (Noise, Heat, radar cross sec. signature) the Hughes 500 they attempted to do mainly the noise & heat signature. So not true stealth by adding 4 tail rotor blades to cut the classic high rpm weed eater sound and they insulated the engine compartment with some sort of advanced exhaust tip to cut sound and heat signature.
His name is buck and he's here to...let me stop before I get shot :P But in all seriousness,this is something I and maybe many others needed and Buck is a real cool and humble dude! But what I can't figure out is why the Russians have nothing similar to the AC-130. With all those huge aircraft they have,you'd think they'd have a few...
Great episode, honestly this aircraft seems to get a new nickname with each variant, spectre, surprise package, spooky, ghostrider, stinger ii, why does it have so many nicknames?
Paul Harvey with the rest of the story… The nicknames can be confusing but they associated by a combination of new aircraft models and with the heritage of the squadrons that fly them. As an example, "Surprise Package" was more about an upgrade of weapons and sensors on the AC-130A than it was the squadron that employed the aircraft. The names Spectre, Spooky and Stinger follow the heritage of the squadrons that employed them operationally: The 16th SOS (Spectre) linage dates back to 1968 where they operated gunships in Vietnam. In more recent years they flew the AC-130H Spectre Gunship until the aircraft was retired in 2015. Today the 16th SOS flies the AC-130W , within three years they will convert to the AC-130J The 4th SOS (Spooky) lineage dates back to 1965 where they operated gunships in Vietnam. In more recent years they flew the AC-130U which is now off the battlefield and most of the fleet is in the boneyard. They have already received their first AC-130Js which they will be operating exclusively in the near future. The 73rd SOS (Stinger) lineage is not as old. They stood up in 1985 but came into their own in 2006. AFSOC acquired 12 replacement C-130H’s that were initially designated MC-130Ws. They were intended to served as CLR (Combat Loss Replacement), aircraft after the MC-130 community crashed and destroyed four airplanes in just a few short years. As the war in Afghanistan and Iraq heated up there was an ever increasing need for gunships so the decision was made to modify the 12 MC-130W aircraft into AC-130Ws. The name Stinger II was meant to honor the heritage of the AC-119 gunships that evolved from the AC-47 in Vietnam. Today the 73rd SOS operates the AC-130J. Ghostrider is a term that more broadly described Gunships as a group…the crews being Ghostriders of the sky. This nickname likely came from the Johnny Cash song Ghost riders in the sky popular in the 1960’s. All of the squadrons play the song during squadron special events and it is very apropos that AC-130J was given that designation as all of the gunship squadrons will now be operating the same model.
Different configurations have different names. First model was "Gunship II" then "Plain Jane" followed by Surprise Package (which was only one aircraft), Pave Pronto, Pave Spectre, Pave Aegis, Spooky II, Stinger II, Ghostrider.
@@spectrepilot , correct. There was only one "Surprise Package" aircraft...and that was 490. It was an avionics test bed for the most part and was the first AC-130 to mount a pair of 40mm guns. 490 was shot down in Dec of 72 after it descended to 7500 feet to engage a 37mm gun (it's normal altitude was 10,000 ft.)
A number of years ago I asked the same question to an AC130 gun crew member about how quickly they can burn through all of their stores. He mentioned a crew during one of the first Desert Storm missions expended all rounds aboard in 10 minutes.
I don't think you heard that right since there is no way an AC-130H could expend all stores in ten minutes. 3000 20mm, 256 40mm, 100 105mm was the load out during ODS.
Yes!! I was about to email you asking for a transport month with C5 / C17 and maybe a classic cargo, but was also hoping for an Ac130 episode. Jello & Sunshine, you guys are legends! Thank you, Jamie from the UK!
I been watching for years, i think it would be cool to get some of CBP, Air and marine operations pilots, particularly the P3 orian pilots. They have a awacs version and one without the dish, hard to find good information on them
Very interesting episode, as always. Mr. Aiello just one question, sorry if it might sound stupid: will you ever do an episode regarding the newly created Space Force? Just a sugestion. Love the show, keep up the good work.
There a video of a Spooky gunner in VRchat speaking about all the issues firing all those weapons in a inclosed, badly ventilated space and how a lot of the guys had issues with lead inhalation and jitters and migraines.
3:06 "Hello, I'm.. not gonna say my name, I'm from Chicago, and how come the Arabians purchased parts for an F-14 Tomcat? I enjoy your show, and uh.. Look forward to uh when my (Rating? Arabian?) F-14 pilot would be. Let me know!"
I remember hearing there is, in practice, ZERO parts commonality between the 3 versions. Even if the part is technically the same across all 3, when you order a replacement, each version has a separate parts number. So there is practically no cost-savings.
The USAF uses "Squadron" to represent units regardless of aircraft.. A simple analogy would be the Army uses "Company" and the Air Force uses "Squadron."
Except that the army's use of "company" fits into its size conventions (i.e., smaller is platoon, larger is battalion). I don't believe "squadron" has a size element to it, apart from smaller than "Wing."
@@FighterPilotPodcast Army is Platoon whereas Air Force equivalent is Flight, and going the other way correct Army is Battalion and Air Force is Wing. Regarding the size for a "Squadron" I'm not really sure. In the late 80's I was assigned to the 39th Security Police Flight at Incirlik AB Turkey. I think we were the largest organization in USAFE at the time, and probably could have been two different Squadrons based upon manpower. I guess having a sizable ground combat force in their country was too unsettling for the Turks and the unit was labeled as a "Flight" to make them feel better about it.
Hey I meant to ask... Do you guys come across UAP's (UFO's) very often. My wife has a YT channel where we video tape them every night with our Flir IR camera. I mean we get generally about 10 every night when it's clear. How often do you guys have to deal with them?
@@FighterPilotPodcast Thank you sir. I'm a little disappointed but I sure appreciate your answer. Actually, we've just started seeing them about 6 months ago here on our little farm in Sparta TN...So I do understand!
@@sebas793 the virus is real, the musings and "the sky is falling" is a hoax. The CDC dropped the number of deaths by 23000 yesterday, and...the Earth is not flat.
FLIR is a horrible way to identify things. An online user with the call sign "Mover" got that call sign thought he strafed a convoy of vehicles but really strafed a herd of cows. He was in a country where people learn what cows and vehicles look like at the age of 5 or younger.
The Fighter Pilot Podcast oh yeah I know. I think it’s so cool how the gun site was mounted on the left cock pit window and the pilot would stay in a left hand orbit and aim the guns himself. I’m not sure if he fired them too.
Everyone feels like they have to mention their content was recorded before the pandemic. Strange to me. As if we're not allowed to do things or should feel bad about it. (not saying it wasn't actually recorded before the pandemic, just saying that everyone is taking part...in whatever this is)
The resulting stay-at-home order has greatly impacted our lives here in Southern California. Plus, people have been affected by it an so wanted to provide an update.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Oh I bet. Things are bad enough here in apparently communist Georgia. Hope all is well. I just didn't know if it was in deference to youtube's ToS or what. P.s. we need a viggen!
I was just watching a video showing the older AC-130's and one of them had that rear bubble the guy was talking about. Definitely a hold over from WWII logic and I get why that's pointless and why they are downsizing the crew.... because besides the fact you'd never even see the Jet (or missile) what difference would it make anyways? It's still just a C-130...not exactly going to out maneuver anything. The only thing a C-130 can out maneuver is....a train.
The Illuminator Operator (what they called the guy in the back in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) laid on his belly on the ramp (with door open) and had the job of threat avoidance from AAA tracers. At the time, AAA guns (23mm, 37mm, 57mm) on the Ho Chi Minh Trail were optical (no radar or fire control). While there wasn't much in the line of large AAA guns in Vietnam, they were prolific on the HCM Trail in Laos. When a gun opened up, the IO would determine if the projectiles were accurate or inaccurate, then call a defensive maneuver if required. The IO had the best seat in the house since he could see left, right, aft and underneath the aircraft. Accurate rounds appeared to be stationary...or nearly stationary. Inaccurate projectiles would appear to "move", thus were not accurate. When the IO (or right scanner) detected accurate projectiles coming at the aircraft, he would direct the pilot to break right or left to avoid being hit. Rarely did a pilot climb or descent, but it was done if needed. Typically, a break maneuver was short in duration, so the aircraft returned to a firing orbit in short order. Many times, the AC-130 would call in fighter escorts to bomb the AAA sites. In modern warfare, tracers are rare, so the IOs role that was vital in SEA has faded over the years. There's a bit more to it that than, but I think you get the idea. The single mission record for AAA fired at one AC-130 on the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos was over 1100 rounds. It truly was a "dance with death". We lost six AC-130s in a five year period in Laos...four to AAA, one to SA-2 and one to SA-7. AC-130s were credited with 10,000 truck kills on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Thank you for answering! Check out what we catch at youtube,com/cindiloohoo ...It'll be dark tonight with clear skies so we'll get some great footage hopefully. I'd sure like to know your answer. The Pentagon dropped a little disclosure the other day and Q says "think of the vastness of space" we are not alone. Sorry to leave this message in public but...it's all I have :)
@@sightline2132 haha, I don't even have one and wouldn't wear the stupid thing anyway...this Covid thing goes way deeper than people know or believe. It's another freakin' hoax that we'll all find out about in the coming days, I'm sure!
My father was an original crew member on AC-139A, The First Lady. He flew 125 missions over "The Trail" during Vietnam. He was an Aerial Photographer. He returned with the DFC and 8 and Air Medals. My love to all the crews on these formidable, yet often very vulnerable birds. Thanks for s great podcast!!!!
Attention Matt Wagner: If you're watching this please consider bringing a multi-crew AC-130 to DCS. Would be amazing fun.
Agreed
That would only work if you had 100 percent air superiority and Minimal MANPADS
@@CHECK6-963 Well obviously an AC-130 operator/team would want an A2A escort and to be aware of threats from the ground, just like IRL. If you're trying to make the argument that the module shouldn't exist for those reasons, then I really don't agree with you. Your comment is pretty useless TBH.
@@CallsignJoNay Well I'm going off my real world experience in combat , but you do you.
@@CHECK6-963 With all due respect to your real world combat experience, (and I meant that sincerely), I just don't see your point. The AC-130 exists in RL and has a purpose despite it's A2A and G2A vulnerabilities. Why shouldn't it exist in a simulation of RL where the same vulnerabilities are being simulated? The A-10C is vulnerable to A2A threats too, does that make the Warthog module irrelevant? Your logic is confusing and your comment is not very constructive.
This has me wanting a podcast on The Whale or A-3 Skywarrior now. There’s gotta be a few A-3 Drivers out there with some good sea stories
Got one lined up, just haven't recorded yet.
Wow, thank you!
@@FighterPilotPodcast Any other attack aircraft on the horizon? I'm trying to think what else is even left in that category, I guess A-1 and A37?
@@RaidsEpicly Those and the A-3, for starters.
@@RaidsEpicly YES! A-37!
3 days on, I'm still giggling at the "crowd pleaser" and "sick individuals" :-D
Really cool introduction too!
Wow that was an awesome introduction.
Thanks!
Nailed the music selection on the intro.
Thanks. It's nice to have a professional producer now.
The stories are the best part... not trying to take away from your hardwork, Sir. Had to stop listening halfway through to watch videos of the AC-130 in action. Just awesome. As always, I admire the professionalism of all your guests, and of course you as well. Keep up the excellent work!
Great dedication. RIP gentlemen.
Thank you, Michael.
Shout out to Bill. He’s working on the BOOKS about the history of the AC 130. I planning on getting autographed copies when they release.
Great dude! He was on the 105 High Frag project , and SDB project.
Had the privilege of meeting him at CampPerry when he was on the. AF Rifle Team. He had some great stories.
Thanks Steve!
The title of the AC-130 Combat History series is "Ghostriders" The author is William Walter (you can google the title and author name for more detail). First book is 1968-1975 (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia). Second book is 1976-1995 (Iran, Grenada, El Salvador, Panama, Kuwait/Iraq, Bosnia, Somalia. Simon Schuster is distributor. First book will be available on 2-22-2022 second will be available in April of 2022.
ENEMY AC130 OVERHEAD!
"Be humble, credible and approachable" should be everyone's motto
Agreed.
I've just discovered these podcasts, absolutely fantastic, keep up the good work 👍
Thanks, will do!
Once upon a time, I was attached to the 919th SOS. Got to work with a lot of great people. Being around Air Commandos, with what they do, and all the different mission sets that can come out of Hurlburt is VERY interesting. Kudos for this one. =)
Yes!!! I love this badass aircraft!!!! Thank you for this episode!!!
brrrrrrrrrrrrp! so awesome!
Great episode! I've been wanting to learn more about this gunship. One of my favorites. Thanks.
You're welcome, James.
Ohh yes, this plus morning coffee, hell yeah. Just need one on my apaches next and life is perfect
Hoping for "Army Aviation" month this summer.
As always a very good interview and motivation to build the AC-130 model kit in my stash
Do it!
Man I'm going to have to look into getting me one.
@@jamese3169 We can help!
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077XJHBCM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=ftrpltpdcst18-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B077XJHBCM&linkId=71ba36c8d553658627b03164e71cc619
@@FighterPilotPodcast Thanks
@@jamese3169 Depending on your skill level , for me a 1/72 Testors, Or the 1/48 Italari is the best AC-130U
Hey Jell-O, as always a very informative podcast, recently the AC-130U Spooky was retired, sad in my opinion. Also if I recall correctly, in the movie Olympus has fallen, the AC-130 was shown shooting down a pair of F-22s and attacking the White House. Stay safe(and your family and friends) and keep the awesome content rolling in. RIP the crew of Spirit 03.
Never knew! Just watched the clip, pretty intense... for a cartoon.
Hahaha yes sir
So they mention it in this I’m still listening but
FUN FACT: the C-130 Gunships in Vietnam did in fact have a FLIR Camera for Targeting. I only mention it because so many people (including former military) think FLIR is something new. They used FLIR on them and even on the CIAs secret Hughes 500 variant they named “the quiet one” where they attempted to make a stealth (noise signature) the FLIR camera and a terrain following radar. Just remember a stealth aircraft means it reduces (Noise, Heat, radar cross sec. signature) the Hughes 500 they attempted to do mainly the noise & heat signature. So not true stealth by adding 4 tail rotor blades to cut the classic high rpm weed eater sound and they insulated the engine compartment with some sort of advanced exhaust tip to cut sound and heat signature.
The Fabulous Four-Engined Fighter!
The AC-47 Puff the Magic Dragon. Built a model of her when I was a kid. Baddest 'C'argo plane ever.
Squadron is also used by “The Red Roof Inn” (😉) to designate the Battalion level of command in that organization.
The howitzers on the ac-130 are the only guns on a fixed wing aircraft bigger than the GAU-8 Avenger on the A-10
A comment from the Insider brought me here!
Love it!
Welcome!
His name is buck and he's here to...let me stop before I get shot :P
But in all seriousness,this is something I and maybe many others needed and Buck is a real cool and humble dude!
But what I can't figure out is why the Russians have nothing similar to the AC-130.
With all those huge aircraft they have,you'd think they'd have a few...
Great episode, honestly this aircraft seems to get a new nickname with each variant, spectre, surprise package, spooky, ghostrider, stinger ii, why does it have so many nicknames?
Perhaps out of affection.
Paul Harvey with the rest of the story…
The nicknames can be confusing but they associated by a combination of new aircraft models and with the heritage of the squadrons that fly them. As an example,
"Surprise Package" was more about an upgrade of weapons and sensors on the AC-130A than it was the squadron that employed the aircraft.
The names Spectre, Spooky and Stinger follow the heritage of the squadrons that employed them operationally:
The 16th SOS (Spectre) linage dates back to 1968 where they operated gunships in Vietnam. In more recent years they flew the AC-130H Spectre Gunship until the aircraft was retired in 2015. Today the 16th SOS flies the AC-130W , within three years they will convert to the AC-130J
The 4th SOS (Spooky) lineage dates back to 1965 where they operated gunships in Vietnam. In more recent years they flew the AC-130U which is now off the battlefield and most of the fleet is in the boneyard. They have already received their first AC-130Js which they will be operating exclusively in the near future.
The 73rd SOS (Stinger) lineage is not as old. They stood up in 1985 but came into their own in 2006. AFSOC acquired 12 replacement C-130H’s that were initially designated MC-130Ws. They were intended to served as CLR (Combat Loss Replacement), aircraft after the MC-130 community crashed and destroyed four airplanes in just a few short years. As the war in Afghanistan and Iraq heated up there was an ever increasing need for gunships so the decision was made to modify the 12 MC-130W aircraft into AC-130Ws. The name Stinger II was meant to honor the heritage of the AC-119 gunships that evolved from the AC-47 in Vietnam. Today the 73rd SOS operates the AC-130J.
Ghostrider is a term that more broadly described Gunships as a group…the crews being Ghostriders of the sky. This nickname likely came from the Johnny Cash song Ghost riders in the sky popular in the 1960’s. All of the squadrons play the song during squadron special events and it is very apropos that AC-130J was given that designation as all of the gunship squadrons will now be operating the same model.
Different configurations have different names. First model was "Gunship II" then "Plain Jane" followed by Surprise Package (which was only one aircraft), Pave Pronto, Pave Spectre, Pave Aegis, Spooky II, Stinger II, Ghostrider.
@@spectrepilot , correct. There was only one "Surprise Package" aircraft...and that was 490. It was an avionics test bed for the most part and was the first AC-130 to mount a pair of 40mm guns. 490 was shot down in Dec of 72 after it descended to 7500 feet to engage a 37mm gun (it's normal altitude was 10,000 ft.)
Great podcast 👍❤️ thanks.
There were 2 AC 47 while I was stationed at Udorn RTAFB in 70 - 71, they were parked by themselves away from the F 4s
Man what a great episode❤
Excellent aircraft and episode
Evergreen content!
A number of years ago I asked the same question to an AC130 gun crew member about how quickly they can burn through all of their stores. He mentioned a crew during one of the first Desert Storm missions expended all rounds aboard in 10 minutes.
Wowzers.
I don't think you heard that right since there is no way an AC-130H could expend all stores in ten minutes. 3000 20mm, 256 40mm, 100 105mm was the load out during ODS.
Wow you say Craig about right, never heard an American say it “right” before. They usually say it like Greg or Creg which is wierd.
Pretty cool.
0018 in Germany, what to listen now? New ffp pops up, strike💪🏻✊🏻
0052 in France now, and listening too.
@@TOMCATnbr good to hear mon frere 🤘🏻 do you know justin lee's podcast with the rafale driver? Its dope!
Yes!! I was about to email you asking for a transport month with C5 / C17 and maybe a classic cargo, but was also hoping for an Ac130 episode. Jello & Sunshine, you guys are legends! Thank you, Jamie from the UK!
Thank you, Jamie.
(and by the way, Sunshine left the show over six months ago)
The Marine Corps is also making their own Gunships by putting weapons on the outer pylons of their KC-130Js. They call it the Harvest HAWK.
Intereresting.
I been watching for years, i think it would be cool to get some of CBP, Air and marine operations pilots, particularly the P3 orian pilots. They have a awacs version and one without the dish, hard to find good information on them
Worth considering, thanks.
Very interesting episode, as always. Mr. Aiello just one question, sorry if it might sound stupid: will you ever do an episode regarding the newly created Space Force? Just a sugestion. Love the show, keep up the good work.
Unlikely, unless something about them has to do with military aviation (aside from GPS).
@@FighterPilotPodcast Roger that Sir, thank you :)
There a video of a Spooky gunner in VRchat speaking about all the issues firing all those weapons in a inclosed, badly ventilated space and how a lot of the guys had issues with lead inhalation and jitters and migraines.
Anyone knows the first music from the intro ? Thanks.
3:06
"Hello, I'm.. not gonna say my name, I'm from Chicago, and how come the Arabians purchased parts for an F-14 Tomcat? I enjoy your show, and uh.. Look forward to uh when my (Rating? Arabian?) F-14 pilot would be. Let me know!"
Ah, that explains it. Maybe I could have handled that differently.
Ha! That intro was great!
😎
That phone call was gold
I listened to it dozens of times but couldn't for the life of me figure out the guy's name or what he was asking. Hope he didn't mind a little fun.
I can thank the video game call of duty modern warfare introducing me to this crazy beautiful yet crazy flying fire base.
Imagine being one of those dirt farmers who can barely afford a goat and learning about what this is.
Awesome!
Great episode...but 24 ads makes it unbearable, quit after 15 min and switching platforms. With that said, best podcast out there!
Just fixed it. UA-cam snuck it in on me. Sorry.
@@FighterPilotPodcast I figured they did that, you are a champ!
I remember hearing there is, in practice, ZERO parts commonality between the 3 versions. Even if the part is technically the same across all 3, when you order a replacement, each version has a separate parts number. So there is practically no cost-savings.
I trust we're talking about the F-35 here...
Certainly not true about the AC-130 fleet.
4 years later: i bet he's still waiting for that Iranian F-14 interview
@@RCFlyBoy314 ua-cam.com/video/jQezaI3umg8/v-deo.htmlsi=0QtNgYNJe_GGk5xP
So is this Puff the Magic Dragon or Spooky, both.... or non of the above? IS this platform competition for the Wort Hog / A-10
My cousin was on that ship downed during Dstorm one near Kafgi RIP hawaiian.
Our sincerest condolences.
Your cousin was Damon?
@@billwalter9824 Yes he was
Oh wow, nice! ^^
The USAF uses "Squadron" to represent units regardless of aircraft.. A simple analogy would be the Army uses "Company" and the Air Force uses "Squadron."
Except that the army's use of "company" fits into its size conventions (i.e., smaller is platoon, larger is battalion). I don't believe "squadron" has a size element to it, apart from smaller than "Wing."
@@FighterPilotPodcast Army is Platoon whereas Air Force equivalent is Flight, and going the other way correct Army is Battalion and Air Force is Wing.
Regarding the size for a "Squadron" I'm not really sure. In the late 80's I was assigned to the 39th Security Police Flight at Incirlik AB Turkey. I think we were the largest organization in USAFE at the time, and probably could have been two different Squadrons based upon manpower. I guess having a sizable ground combat force in their country was too unsettling for the Turks and the unit was labeled as a "Flight" to make them feel better about it.
I think the first guy wanted to buy a F-14?
Maybe. 🤔
Bofors still making plenty of 40mm including smart
Hey I meant to ask... Do you guys come across UAP's (UFO's) very often. My wife has a YT channel where we video tape them every night with our Flir IR camera. I mean we get generally about 10 every night when it's clear. How often do you guys have to deal with them?
I never did in a 25-year career.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Thank you sir. I'm a little disappointed but I sure appreciate your answer. Actually, we've just started seeing them about 6 months ago here on our little farm in Sparta TN...So I do understand!
@@ezrider1967 but you also think covid 19 is a hoax. You believe the earth is flat too?
@@sebas793 the virus is real, the musings and "the sky is falling" is a hoax. The CDC dropped the number of deaths by 23000 yesterday, and...the Earth is not flat.
FLIR is a horrible way to identify things. An online user with the call sign "Mover" got that call sign thought he strafed a convoy of vehicles but really strafed a herd of cows. He was in a country where people learn what cows and vehicles look like at the age of 5 or younger.
Spooky !
Wooooow 😲 Wooooow 😲 Wooooow 😲
The bad boy with the big guns 💪😝
Sounds like it should really be "Make it Hail"
Hah! 💪
Olympus Has Fallen!!! Sick AC-130 scene
True. So much of it is clearly CGI though...
The Fighter Pilot Podcast oh yeah I know. I think it’s so cool how the gun site was mounted on the left cock pit window and the pilot would stay in a left hand orbit and aim the guns himself. I’m not sure if he fired them too.
On the Vietnam era AC-130’s
Everyone feels like they have to mention their content was recorded before the pandemic. Strange to me. As if we're not allowed to do things or should feel bad about it. (not saying it wasn't actually recorded before the pandemic, just saying that everyone is taking part...in whatever this is)
The resulting stay-at-home order has greatly impacted our lives here in Southern California. Plus, people have been affected by it an so wanted to provide an update.
@@FighterPilotPodcast Oh I bet. Things are bad enough here in apparently communist Georgia.
Hope all is well. I just didn't know if it was in deference to youtube's ToS or what.
P.s. we need a viggen!
Yes but...can we still make it rain?
Sure you can, unless you're one of these guys and gals.
I was just watching a video showing the older AC-130's and one of them had that rear bubble the guy was talking about. Definitely a hold over from WWII logic and I get why that's pointless and why they are downsizing the crew.... because besides the fact you'd never even see the Jet (or missile) what difference would it make anyways? It's still just a C-130...not exactly going to out maneuver anything. The only thing a C-130 can out maneuver is....a train.
Don't forget those very large ships where you have to start making the turn a week in advance.
The Illuminator Operator (what they called the guy in the back in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia) laid on his belly on the ramp (with door open) and had the job of threat avoidance from AAA tracers. At the time, AAA guns (23mm, 37mm, 57mm) on the Ho Chi Minh Trail were optical (no radar or fire control). While there wasn't much in the line of large AAA guns in Vietnam, they were prolific on the HCM Trail in Laos. When a gun opened up, the IO would determine if the projectiles were accurate or inaccurate, then call a defensive maneuver if required. The IO had the best seat in the house since he could see left, right, aft and underneath the aircraft. Accurate rounds appeared to be stationary...or nearly stationary. Inaccurate projectiles would appear to "move", thus were not accurate. When the IO (or right scanner) detected accurate projectiles coming at the aircraft, he would direct the pilot to break right or left to avoid being hit. Rarely did a pilot climb or descent, but it was done if needed. Typically, a break maneuver was short in duration, so the aircraft returned to a firing orbit in short order. Many times, the AC-130 would call in fighter escorts to bomb the AAA sites. In modern warfare, tracers are rare, so the IOs role that was vital in SEA has faded over the years. There's a bit more to it that than, but I think you get the idea. The single mission record for AAA fired at one AC-130 on the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos was over 1100 rounds. It truly was a "dance with death". We lost six AC-130s in a five year period in Laos...four to AAA, one to SA-2 and one to SA-7. AC-130s were credited with 10,000 truck kills on the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
Haha! Glad you think the masks are stupid too! I love the heck out of your podcast! Thank you!
You're the first one to comment on that part, James
@@FighterPilotPodcast Thank you for answering! Check out what we catch at youtube,com/cindiloohoo ...It'll be dark tonight with clear skies so we'll get some great footage hopefully. I'd sure like to know your answer. The Pentagon dropped a little disclosure the other day and Q says "think of the vastness of space" we are not alone. Sorry to leave this message in public but...it's all I have :)
So glad there's people in the world don't just blindly wear these things.
@@sightline2132 haha, I don't even have one and wouldn't wear the stupid thing anyway...this Covid thing goes way deeper than people know or believe. It's another freakin' hoax that we'll all find out about in the coming days, I'm sure!
@@sightline2132 I agree 100%! So tired of "the sky is falling" so they can take our guns and freedoms, but I digress
No wonder the air in Afghanistan smells of cordite HAHAHAHAAHHA
F-14 parts? Go away Iran