“BLAST FROM THE PAST” GIVES NATO “CLOSE IN” SUPPORT FOR FLAGGING REBEL DEFENSES
DANGEROUS “DU” MUNITION USE TO RISE SIGNIFICANTLY
By Gordon Duff STAFF WRITER/Senior Editor
Two “stars” from America’s ground support air inventory began service in Libya this week. The A-10 “Warthog,” a primitive titanium clad ground support “tank killer” built around a 30mm gun that pours depleted uranium rounds into armoured targets from low levels, is expected to intimidate Gaddafi’s forces. Added to the new inventory is the AC-130 “Spooky-Spectre” gunship, a hopped up transport plane that flies over the battlefield while destroying ground targets with 20mm-40mm and 105mm munitions.
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Both systems are highly vulnerable to sophisticated air defense systems believed to have been “reduced” during the first days of UN/NATO intervention.
Sources tell us that the move is one of desperation, a clear indication that the rebels are “on the run.” This week Colonel Gaddafi agreed to accept ceasefire terms offered by the African Union, an organization he once headed and has financially subsidized since its inception.
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Both the A-10 and AC-130 typically work closely with FAC (Forward Air Controller) personnel on the ground. Both systems are capable of “close in” operation and can readily destroy ground targets within 100 metres of civilian areas.
An early version of the AC 130 was used extensively in Vietnam. As a Marine serving there, I had one instance of “Spooky” air support against massed ground assault on a position between Hoi An and Chu Lai that was “overextended.”
Other evenings, we would sit up in the hills and watch “Spooky” fire what looked like laser beams into the ground. It was the best show in the world as long as you weren’t on the receiving end.
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