Special Operations.Com Feature

Miniguns

Miniguns have a unique place in special operations. The first significant use of miniguns in support of special operations came during the Vietnam War. Mounted on Navy Patrol Boats and other support craft, Seawolf helicopters and later on AC-47 and AC-130 Spectre gunships this weapon system provided devastating firepower within dangerously close proximity to U.S. forces. The minigun has undergone numerous improvement since that time and has remained an integral part of special operations for almost thirty years. Today, miniguns can be found on the majority of Army and Air Force special operations helicopters as well as the new AC-130U gunship.Above: Picture of a minigun being fired from a USAF HH-53. Below: View ofa Huey-mounted minigun, similar to those used by the Navy's Seawolves during Vietnam.

Here's a great pic of a Gatling gun

Here's one of an old Air Force SUU-11/A gun pod for the GAU-2 (Army M134) 7.62mm minigun. Air Force gun pods SUU-11A/A and SUU-11B/A are equivalent to the Army M18 and M18A1 gun pods used on the AH-1G Cobra and fixed wing aircraft, e.g. OV-1 Mohawk.

The Minigun in Vietnam - very good info

For information on USAF gunships, click here.Here is another excellent resource.

A Short History Of The Development Of The AC-130 Aircraft - info on minigun development with the AC-130

An AC-47 "Spooky" minigun fires 6,000 rounds per minute on a target in South Vietnam >>>>>>>>>>>

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