The AC-130 gunship series is the most heavily armed close-air support combat aircraft currently in use. The models currently active ar ethe AC-130H Spectre Gunship (deployed 1972) and the AC-130U Spooky Gunship (deployed 1995).
These gunships have seen active service recently in Somalia, laying down ordnance on al-Qaeda encampments in that country.
Both are armed with a 105mm cannon, as well as a 40mm grenade launcher and twin 20mmVulcans (Spectre) or a 25mm gatling gun (Spooky).
Front view of the Spectre Gunship
A Spooky Gunship laying down fire.
Another shot os a Spooky Gunship.
For more on the AC-130, check out the FAS site.
