AC-47 Gunship U.S. Army substantial payload and reasonable cost

substantial payload and reasonable cost made it the ideal candidate to protect allied tactical forces against enemy radar defenses

It featured a rear-facing pilot's seat for an unobstructed view of the cargo

known as the Intruders

and escort fighter

To meet this need

AC-47 Gunship U.S. Army substantial payload and reasonable costDouglas AC 47 Gunship airplane model. In the early 1960s, Air Force Systems Command began experimenting with side firing weapons systems for possible use in Vietnam in point defense and night Close Air Support (CAS) roles. In late 1964, the first gunship conversion of a World War II Douglas C 47D was done. The gunship version of the C 47D was initially designated FC 47D (Fighter Cargo) but was changed to AC (Attack Cargo) primarily because of