Lockheed AC-130 (C-130 Gunship) Spectre 1/200 Scale Diecast Metal Model by Amercom
$ 28.99
1:200 Scale Diecast Metal - Lockheed AC-130A Gunship Length: 6.25" Wingspan: 8”
This Spectre model has its landing gear modeled in the extended position and is fixed. A display stand with information about the particular model is included.
At a 1/200 scale, this model is compatible with the airline models. What is interesting is that the cockpit windshield in this model is actually made of clear plastic with very detailed painting. I mention this because in the airline models it is usually just painted on.
This is really a "no-play" model or a "display-only" model. It is mostly metal and very heavy. It also has a number of antennas which look great but are very fragile. If you have small kids that like to play with your models, save yourself some frustration (and money) and wait till later to get a model like this one. The box is labeled as not suitable for children under 14.
The maker of this model, Amercom, did a good job with this model, specifically the color scheme and the markings are very crisp and clear. The panel lines and hatches are very nicely done (engraved).
The packaging of these models is very minimal, nothing more than a simple blister pack with the model sandwiched between two transparent plastic shells. The packaging is really best described as "disposable"; although this is done in part to keep costs down, it nevertheless keeps the model safe and secure.The packaging might be low cost, but it is quite sturdy and serves its purpose well.
The pack measures 9 inches by 9 inches by 3.25 inches.
The Lockheed AC-130 gunship is a heavily armed, long-endurance ground-attack aircraft. It carries a wide array of anti-ground oriented weapons that are integrated with sophisticated sensors, navigation, and fire-control systems. Unlike other military fixed-wing aircraft, the AC-130 relies on visual targeting. Because of its large profile and because it operates at low-altitude (roughly 7,000 ft) it usually flies close air support missions at night.[2]
It is a variant of the C-130 Hercules transport. The airframe is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, whileBoeing is responsible for the conversion into a gunship and for aircraft support.[3] The AC-130A Gunship II superseded the AC-47 Gunship I during the Vietnam War. The sole user is the United States Air Force, which uses AC-130U Spooky and AC-130W Stinger II[4] variants for close air support, air interdiction, and force protection, with AC-130J Ghostrider in development. Close air support roles include supporting ground troops, escorting convoys, and urban operations. Air interdiction missions are conducted against planned targets and targets of opportunity. Force protection missions include defending air bases and other facilities. AC-130Us are based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, while AC-130Ws are based at Cannon AFB, New Mexico; gunships can be deployed worldwide.[5] The squadrons are part of the Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC), a component of the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM).[6]
