Jimmie H. Butler
Information on Writing and the War in Southeast Asia

C/AC-47 SEA OPERATIONS

Bulletin #56

13 Feb 67

C/AC-47 SEA OPERATIONS

 1. The venerable and ubiquitous "gooney bird" has gained- additional fame in the past several years performing a variety of useful functions in Southeast Asia . Perhaps the most widely publicized of these has been its role as a gun "toter", the AC-47. This mission was covered in Tactics and Techniques Bulletin #15. Other equally important roles have been in flare operations, psychological operations and in-theater logistics. This article will review some of these current missions for both "C" and "AC" models, as well as update portions of the tactics information contained in our previous bulletin.

2. AC-47:

a. As presently employed in Southeast Asia , the flight crew consists of seven USAF personnel, as well as a Vietnamese observer assigned to aid in the "delta" missions. The aircraft commander (pilot) fires the guns while the copilot performs normal right seat duties and coordinates the activities of the crew. In the target area the navigator and VNAF observer (if assigned) collaborate to accurately pinpoint objectives and coordinate with the ground

Two  armers (gunners) accomplish the pre-flight, gun loading and in-flight trouble-shooting of the SUU-11 guns. The loadmaster arms and manually drops the flares from the rear entrance door upon a light signal from the aircraft commander. A flight mechanic rounds out the crew and is responsible for systems operation.

b. The basic missions on which the AC-47 is employed are:

(1) Defense of ground positions (friendly forts and outposts).

(2) Escort and patrol.

(3) Pre-planned strikes against suitable targets.

(4) Forward air controlling for fighter strikes.

c. Initial attack procedures begin with the aircraft in straight-and-level flight and the target outside and forward of the left prop dome. Usual altitude is between 2500-3500 feet AGL; however, this may be adjusted to allow for such variables as weather, ground fire and target identification difficulties. As the target passes under the engine cowling, the aircraft is rolled into a level 30-degree bank turn. When the pipper comes on target, firing is commenced in bursts of 3-7 seconds, as required. When the pipper moves off target get to the rear, the firing is ceased and a slight turn is made away from the target t for repositioning and subsequent firing passes. If the pipper moves off target to the front, the degree of bank is increased to re-align on target. Airspeed during the firing maneuver will normally be 120 KIAS. Each minigun fires at a rate of 6,000 rounds per minute. This provides a coverage over an elliptical area approximately 52 yards in diameter, placing a projectile within every 2.4 yards during a 3-second burst.

d. The guns are presently configured for a 12-degree declination to allow shallower bank angles and more precise aircraft control. Mil settings for sight declination are obtained from ballistics charts, using the desired firing altitude, airspeed and bank angle. Impact velocity of projectiles an the target can also be obtained for any desired firing conditions. For an average firing pass, conditions would be as follows:

Altitude               - 3,000 feet

AGL Bank          - 30 degrees

TAS                    - 130 knots

IAS                     - 120 knots

Sight                    - 180 mils Impact

Velocity:              - 812 fps

e. To date, one of the more perplexing problems has been that of night target identification. Flares are dropped to illuminate the area while the navigator or VNAF observer communicates with the central control agency responsible for the village, fort or garrison requesting air support. Means of locating targets include:

(1) Grid coordinates on 1:250,000 scale chart.

(2) TACAN fixes,)

(3) Prominent terrain features.

(4) Fire arrows.

 (5) Night-viewing equipment.

(6) FAC.

On occasion, the friendly ground forces will use ground marking flares or a tracer pattern to aid in the task. Only when the objective is definitely identified and confirmed through the area command center are the guns fired.

3. Psychological Operations:

a, Due to its slow speed, endurance and load carrying capability, the C-47 has proven to be an ideal aircraft far psychological warfare operations. These operations include both the dropping of leaflets and the use of speakers near frontline areas: hospitals and suspected VC strongholds.

b. For these operations the aircraft is flown at approximately 3,000 feet AGL and 120 knots. (Before entering the drop zone, close coordination with ground forces must be established to insure discontinuance of artillery fire.) Leaflets are dispersed through a port on the right side of the aircraft, or from aircraft cargo hatch, In addition, some aircraft utilize an underside dispensing 10M

c. Either a racetrack or triangular pattern may be flown, dependent upon the type release and density desired.