Larry Davis (1) (1942–)

Very interesting book about the gunship aircraft development in US Air Force. Starting from venerable B26/A26 during WW2, Korea and then AC47, AC130 and AC119 during the Vietnam War [and when it comes to AC130 this model remained active up to current times].

It is very interesting to see how war needs brought this very specific type of aircraft to the fore. Initially armed with heavy machine guns, armament evolved to multiple 20 mm Gatling guns, Bofors 40 mm and finally 105mm howitzer. This amount of firepower blended with guidance and communication equipment proved very deadly to NVA infantry and armor units operating outside of the air defence shield that were besieging US bases. Other role where they prove to be highly valuable were attacks on convoys and transportation lines from North Vietnam and neighboring countries (especially bombardments on the Ho Chi Minh trail).

Added value is presentation of other gunship projects, from C123-based Black Spot (to be used as carpet bomber, without any additional guns) to project that was revived recently for US special operations forces and resulted with adoption of Air Tractor modified attack aircraft. At the time in Vietnam, planes in question were AU23 and AU24, that share quite a few common elements with above mentioned Air Tractor combat plane, and modified USMC Bronco (here, very interesting transition took place with removal of newly placed underslung gun with standard hard-points for guns and bombs).

Very interesting book, very much in vein of Osprey books (64 pages), but with plethora of very interesting and informative pictures and layouts.

Very much recommended to aircraft aficionados and people interested in history of US Air Force Commandos.… (mais)