The 40mm M2A1 'Bofors' cannon is located where on the AC-130? (and what is its rate and ammo capacity)

The 40mm M2A1 'Bofors' cannon is located where on the AC-130? (and what is its rate and ammo capacity)

• A. Located on the left side just aft of the wing; 100 rpm and 416 rounds
• B. Located on the right side; 250 rpm and 700 rounds
• C. Centerline; 50 rpm and 200 rounds
• D. Under the fuselage; 300 rpm and 800 rounds

Answer: (A)

The 40mm M2A1 Bofors on the AC-130 is mounted on the left (port) side of the fuselage, just aft of the wing. This side-firing arrangement is what lets the gunship deliver sustained, indirect-fire-like capability while skimming parallel to the ground target, keeping the aircraft's sensors and crew oriented toward the area being engaged. The M2A1 is belt-fed and designed for a modest sustained rate of fire, around 100 rounds per minute, with an ammunition load of 416 rounds carried for this gun. The other mounting locations would limit the firing arc or complicate the gunship’s operational profile, which is why the left-side, aft-of-wing placement is used.

The 40mm M2A1 Bofors on the AC-130 is mounted on the left (port) side of the fuselage, just aft of the wing. This side-firing arrangement is what lets the gunship deliver sustained, indirect-fire-like capability while skimming parallel to the ground target, keeping the aircraft's sensors and crew oriented toward the area being engaged. The M2A1 is belt-fed and designed for a modest sustained rate of fire, around 100 rounds per minute, with an ammunition load of 416 rounds carried for this gun. The other mounting locations would limit the firing arc or complicate the gunship’s operational profile, which is why the left-side, aft-of-wing placement is used.