AC-130. One of the world's most dangerous aircraft.

[spidge]

Watched a show on this "Tank" in the air and was quite surprised at the current firepower.

The gattling guns I knew about, the 40mm I knew about however the 105mm howitzer I did not.

AC-130H Spectre - Military Aircraft

[Kyt]

It is one serious weapon. All that firepower focussed onto one place!

YouTube - The AC-130H Spectre gunship
YouTube - AC-130 Spectre Gunship Operations in Afghanistan

And of course there was the C-47 Puff the Magic Drago during Nam. Have a look at the last picture showing how concentrated the arc of fire was!

Spooky & Puff the Magic Dragon; your friend above

[Kyt]

Originally Posted by spidge

the 105mm howitzer I did not.

The 105 is a brute!

[David Layne]

My first ride in a C 130 was in 1968. During the next 6 years of my Army service I rode in them many times.

We used them in jump school.

I rode the "Blue Angels" C 130 from Germany to Morocco to Italy and back to Germany. At that time I was part of the 7th Army Parachute Team and us and the "Blues" were on a European Tour.

When on tour with the Parachute Team C 130's would ferry us around. I recall standing between the two pilots when we flew down the corridor out of Berlin. Sometimes these aircraft were "Special Op's C 130's and had equipment in it that was covered over and we were not allowed near it.

There is no feeling in the world like sitting in the back of a C 130 and watching the ramp slowly come down to reveal the sky and other Hercules in formation with you.

C 130's and C 47's protected our perimeter in Vietnam when we were under attack.

As you can see I have fond memories of C 130's, of its looks, smell and sounds. I think you must have had to ride in one to appreciate the smell and sounds. Something akin to "I love the smell of napalm in the morning."

An aircraft that has stood the test of time. Along with the B 52 and C 47these aircraft must hold records for continuous military service.

[Kyt]

You sly so and so David. I knew you'd done service in Vietnam but didn't know you were part of a Parachute Team too.

How about starting a thread with a resume of your career?

[David Layne]

Originally Posted by Kyt

You sly so and so David. I knew you'd done service in Vietnam but didn't know you were part of a Parachute Team too.

How about starting a thread with a resume of your career?

Don't know about a thread but..........

I was a member of the "Golden Knights" in the U.S. and the 7th Army Parachute Team when stationed in Germany. These teams are the equivalent of the "Red Devils" freefall team.

When we were in Germany we used to visit with the Red Devils a lot. We jumped at the Aldershot Army Day together, circa 1974.

[Kyt]

Do you have any photos in jump gear, David?

[David Layne]

Originally Posted by Kyt

Do you have any photos in jump gear, David?

This one taken about 5 years ago.

[CTNana]

David
I cannot think of ANYTHING that I would like to do less than jump out of a plane (excepting anything involving spiders and snakes possibly)!

Sounds like more than enough for a thread to me. Do tell us more about Vietnam.

[David Layne]

Originally Posted by Kyt

Do you have any photos in jump gear, David?

This one circa 1974.