Fairchild AC-119

Twin-engine piston power

Overview

Fairchild United States ICAO: AC119 1968–Onward Active

The Fairchild AC-119G and AC-199K Stinger were renowned as the twin-engine piston power-driven built by the US during the Vietnam War. These aircraft substituted the Douglas AC-47 Spooky and functioned alongside the initial AC-130 Spectre gunship version.

Live Fleet Activity (AC119)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Wright R-3350-85 "Duplex Cyclone"
Engine type
Piston
Power
2 × 3,500 hp · 2,610 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
8
Crew
—
Cabin width
—
Cabin height
—
Cabin length
—
Exterior length
86 ft 6 in  ·  26.36 m
Tail height
26 ft 8 in  ·  8.12 m
Fuselage diameter
10 ft 10 in  ·  3.30 m
Wing span
109 ft 3 in  ·  33.30 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
62,000 lb  ·  28,100 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
7,350 lb  ·  3,350 kg
Fuel capacity
2,250 gal · 8,500 L · 6,100 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
180 kt  ·  207 mph  ·  333 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
1,674 nm  ·  1,930 mi  ·  3,100 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
23,300 ft  ·  7,100 m
Rate of climb
950 ft/min  ·  5 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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A U.S. Air Force Fairchild AC-119G Shadow in flight in 1968.

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Operational Context

Development and Production

The Fairchild AC-119 became outward to US war-aircrafts that low-flying, slow-moving, drifting planes are rising extensive war loads. It played a huge part in combating a drawn-out conflict in Southeast Asia. This side-firing aircraft was built, normally from converting existing prop-driven, firmed-wing military carriages to the role.

The Fairchild AC-119 could remain on its station and able to supply considerable firepower against the preferred targets if properly outfitted and armed with sensors and pertinent equipment. In addition, its converted model was excelled and utilized in the Close-Air Support, or simply called CAS.

Cockpit / Flight Deck

The Fairchild AC-119 was taken into service to thrive an aged model of a converted of C-47 transports. It was equipped with 4×7.62mm miniguns and armoring the critical areas of the airframe. K-models were also known for their lengthened armament collection.

Every aircraft supported 60xMk 24 blazes fired from an LAU-74A launcher series. Though it is quite identical in many areas, Fairchild AC-119 Shadows was often run in the CAS role. The Fairchild AC-119 Stingers, on the other hand, were deployed for “Search-and-Destroy” forays. Regardless of the model, Fairchild AC-119 is perfect for targeting enemy fleets.

The Fairchild AC-119 has a length of 86 feet 5 ¾ inches with a wingspan of 109 feet and three ¼ inches. It also has a height of 26 feet, seven ¾ inches or 8.12 cm. If empty, the weight of this aircraft is 40, 125 pounds, and its maximum takeoff is 62,000 lb. For its performance, it has a maximum speed of 180 knots and 130 knots cruise speed. In addition, it has a range of 1,680 nm with a service ceiling of 23,300 feet.
Engines

The Fairchild CA-119 has a strong and wide airframe with a powerful engine. The XC-82B, known as the first C-119 prototype, first flew in 1947. It has a delivery of C-119Bs from its factory starting in December 1949.

Applications

Service entry started during November 1986, and working squadrons were part of the 56th Special Operations and 14th Special Operations Wing in Thailand. They are all aiding under the name of the US Air Force’s Tactical Air Command service. Also, the control of 16 AC-119K models was prearranged to the South Vietnamese Air Force in 1972.

Notable Accidents and Incidents

In 1969, an engine failure caused the aircraft to put on fire a few seconds after its takeoff. The pilot lost his control, resulting in a huge explosion. Out of ten occupants, six of them were killed. During that time, they were carrying a load of bombs.
In 1970, the Fairchild AC-119 gunship grieved a runaway prop after its takeoff. After failing to control the aircraft, the pilot was forced to head out to sea. Unfortunately, one crew member was not rescued.