AC-130 Video at H2

Found interesting video which appears to be associated with following….

“This formidable weapon system was also used dramatically to destroy a number of aircraft on the ground at H2 airfield in the western desert area of Iraq. The AC-130 was called in by special forces who have been operating in the area of this, and nearby H3 airfield, for some days. Although the aircraft were probably all disused Hawker Hunters and Sukhoi Su-7 Fitter-A fighter-bombers the special forces groups might not have had the luxury of being able to identify them at close quarters, so destroying them would have been a wise precaution, given that they could also have been booby-trapped.”

Source (see 1 Apr Entry): http://www.keypublishing.com/news/default.asp?new_type=Military

Attached pictures come from video:

http://www.globalsecurity.org/intell/library/imint/iraqi-freedom-17.htm

The video is a large 5.53 Mb MPEG file, but is interesting to watch. It is not identified as being a AC-130, but sure looks like it to me. You can see the AC-130 taking a few ‘pot shots’ with Bofors/Howitzer and a volley or two from 20/25 mm Gatling gun. If you look close you can see where they had taken some shots prior (missing) before the video shows the “hit” (look at the still hot potmarks around the aircraft).

Would have to say that also appears to be some MiG-15/17 ?? in the video as well. Would agree with the above assessment in that they were ‘disused’. They are parked in the open. Could have been there to soak up rounds/weapons or act as obstacles to deter use of the runways/taxiways. Who knows???

Hope you find it interesting………

Mark