The Scariest Airplane Ever Built
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- Опубликовано: 27 сен 2024
- In early 1969, the dense jungles of Vietnam trembled under the dominion of the AC-47 gunship, affectionately known as Puff, the Magic Dragon. Its aged engines roared like a living beast of the air while its trio of miniguns promised swift justice from above, while its flares made an artificial day out of even the darkest of nights.
This airborne guardian typically reigned supreme, its maneuvers cloaked in the night, rendering it nearly invincible.
Yet, an unexpected trial emerged on the night of February 24, 1969.
Hovering above Long Binh Army Post, Spooky 71 encountered catastrophe when a mortar round tore through the aircraft, knocking out the crew in the back of the aircraft and injuring them with pieces of shrapnel.
When Airman First Class John Levitow, the loadmaster, woke up, he immediately helped a wounded airman away from the doorway when he noticed a small cloud of smoke.
Just then, he noticed the real threat: the smoke came from an active magnesium MK-24 flare, powerful 27-pound metal canisters that would burn at 4,000°F to light up the night with a 2 million candlepower intensity.
Loadmaster Levitow then watched in horror as the flaming ticking time bomb bounced around the cabin, threatening to ignite over 20,000 rounds of mini-gun ammunition all at once...
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Join Dark Skies as we explore the world of aviation with cinematic short documentaries featuring the biggest and fastest airplanes ever built, top-secret military projects, and classified missions with hidden untold true stories. Including US, German, and Soviet warplanes, along with aircraft developments that took place during World War I, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and special operations mission in between.
As images and footage of actual events are not always available, Dark Skies sometimes utilizes similar historical images and footage for dramatic effect and soundtracks for emotional impact. We do our best to keep it as visually accurate as possible.
All content on Dark Skies is researched, produced, and presented in historical context for educational purposes. We are history enthusiasts and are not always experts in some areas, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with corrections, additional information, or new ideas.
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I saw a Puff in action once when I was a Marine grunt in Vietnam. We were on a night patrol and the Puff was some distance away (not really sure how far); the mini gun sounded like a fog horn as it shot a solid red stream of bullets towards its target. It was something to behold and has stuck in my memory all these years.
My dad was the civilian in charge of that program for the USAF. So glad you liked Spooky!
My understanding Spooky used standard load ammo belts, which would have been one tracer round to four ball . The mini guns fired so fast it was not possible to discern tracer from ball.
Thank you for your service sir.
That an awesome recounting of your time, Sir.
God Bless 🙏
Welcome home!!! Thank you for your service. Every Vietnam veteran I meet I say Welcome home because I know when a bunch of you guys came back you were treated horribly. I spent almost 11 years all together in Afghanistan and I kinda understand how Vietnam veteran's felt during that conflict because farmers would be shooting at you one minute and then the next they are working their land and acting like nothing happened
In 1968 our company used Puff. I was the battalion net RTO and had a hand held strobe light I carried. I was in the middle of hill 97 with the strobe light on and that's how they knew the center of our position. We were in contact with them and would direct how close to come to our perimeter. Unbelievable fire power. Will never forget. Saved our ass.
A mortar?...Imagine if that mortar guy had taken out that plane. He would forever be known as the dragon slayer.
An 81mm HE wouldn't unless it hit the cabin. Maybe a lucky prox setting could remove a wing
Sorry mortars don't go that high
Oh yes they do.
The Luxor light beam in Las Vegas is 1 million candlepower. Pack twice that in a canister, and that guy cuddled with it.
I was fortunate to have flown the C-117D for the Marine Corps, the last branch of the military services to employ the DC-3, C-47, R4D airframe.
One missing historical point: The Air Force first tested a version with ten 0.50 caliber heavy machine guns firing out of the cabin in a row, but the smoke generated by these guns and the lack of a tight firing pattern led the Air Force to try the Minigun instead. The Minigun was developed by GE in 1954 and would not have equipped aircraft used in WWII or Korea. There is a version of Puff the Magic Dragon sung with lyrics commemorating the gunship.
i recall the first time i heard gunfire from a Warthog--i started looking around for a Spooky. i hope at least one made it to a museum.
I can not conceive of a more terrifying thing than a call of "Live Flare!"
LOOK WHAT A LIVE FLARE DID TO THE USS ENTERPRISE
The DC 3 was built from 1936 to 1950 and there are still over 100 flying now. Its probably the most long-lived aircraft ever produced that continues in its original roles of passenger/cargo carrier. Douglas Aircraft eventually merged with McDonnell and McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing in 1997. Its a shame that all that pioneering in engineering technologies, qualiity and safety are considered less important for the sake of a few extra bucks on the profit line.
If it's Boeing, I'm not going.
Airman First Class John Levitow was one of the few Air Force personnel to be awarded the Medal of Honor that earned it by personal actions of the same level as those of from the other branches of service. What he did truly was heroism above and beyond the call of duty. A large percentage of other Air Force officers that have been given the medal did not.
Amen Brother, only three enlisted got the MOH for Vietnam, Levitow, along with a P.J. who had his MOH downgraded in 1966 the AF Cross, but was finally awarded his MOH in 2000, plus a SMSgt who helped evac all the troops from a LIMA(Laos) site that was classified, lost his life in doing so, was awarded his MOH just a few years back. Seem the AF never like awarding MOHs to enlisted during Vietnam. Unlike an officer whose F-4 was hit by ground fire, both him and his RO, were killed when the aircraft crashed. Earning the pilot the MOH and USAFA Building name after him.
A “big balls” effort on solid ground let alone a wounded banking WW2 plane. 😲
Sean one work about a mile away the sounds I will never forget. Vietnam 1970.
Great story. I don't care about the imagery being perfect. Lots of this stuff no one knows about. These events people and equipment are lost to time.
Ditto from me. Thoroughly enjoy your videos. Keep at it. 😊
"We changed its name after fighter pilots complained" really says a lot lmao
The Gooney Birds, Sky Trains, and Puff all sure made history. They were some of the longest lasting, toughest planes ever built, and they took freight into the tiniest country airfields all over the world. Dad said they were hell to taxi (blind) but a dream to fly.
I am 91 Korean War Vet - This Gunship would have changed the story of Korea - Greatly ! I was Ground Radio Opp. Guided Bombers to target - The C47 (DC 3) Amazing Air Craft ! - And Some are Still Flying - God Bless America -
Thank you for your service sir
You Are right - Thankyou for your concern@@QuestionEverythingLookDeeper
Thank you for your service! You guys are our heroes!
@@trottyong Thankyou For Your Appreciation
This is one thing you would not want yourself in the crosshairs of today, never mind back during the first Cold War. Obscenely powerful and ruthless.
Passengers - Check!
Cargo - Check!
Paratroopers - Check!
Hot Lead, lots! - Check
Great video. The Commemorative Air Force Gulf Coast wing just recently picked up a nearly complete AC-47 (tail number EN 927) from a gentleman in Georgia. She is airworthy and they will be put on the airshow circuit eventually.
This is the 1st time I heard mortar hit a plane.
"Check my chute, I'll see you on the ground."
Heard by a fellow C-47 aircrew, in Vietnam.
I always thought the Ford Tri-motor was the scariest airplane ever made.
The idea of circling and firing sideways into an epicentre was terrifying
"...and one to a mysterious disappearance."
very ominous
Yeah, I wondered about that too.
The Genesis of the A-10 and the AC-130.
My stepfather Thomas Kelly. He was 1 man amongst a crew of a Puff the Majick Dragon.
They also carried many many 24 can case of beer! (Suit cases)
The crew would "piss" on the barrels of the GE Vulcan cannon.
He told me the barrels would glow 'cherry red!'
I miss that asshole stepfather of mine. He helped me out more than I knew as a young naive teenager. I learned not to take shit from anyone. And stand up for one's self. Hard and Heavy!
Hailz to you Tom Kelly. Rip.
I got the flare composition formula from Weingardt and milled up about 20 lbs. -- The flares are rammed about 3 inches in diameter and about 16 inches long. They definitely produce the advertised candlepower.
One, to a mysterious disappearance....
Air America has entered the chat
Got your dates wrong. Spooky became active in 1965 in Vietnam.
I think the c47 is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed.
This channel appears to be a shoestring operation but I (we) do watch it like any other channel. There’s Spam and prime rib myself I use both.
Excellent video! Thanks
It was scary in WW2 for discharging badasses! Five o deuce!
The thumbnail is a C-130, not an AC47.
So fuckin' what. WGAS
@@Rotorhead1651 So it's fucking wrong. Dolt.
That's actually pretty good for this channel, at least it has propellers.
@@dukecraig2402 Right. At least they didn't show the space shuttle. 😄
The thumbnail is a C-47. It has two engines. The C-130 has four engines. Look it up.
Just imagine 100 of these on D Day .
Yep, towing gliders.
@@freesk8 I meant the mini guns of course.. they would have softened up many defences
@@dosrios9517 Ah, I see! :)
The Dakota. What ab amazing plane.
Ah, empire building. The death and destruction never end.
00:35 a mortar round? Holy smokes do you guys realize the chances of that hit?
Didn't see any three engined Airplane , saw alot of footage of the AC-47 . Hmmm , mayb it's the HUMIDITY .
Puff the magic dragon, nothing clears a perimeter faster.
Why have an introductory photo of a C-130 when the subject is a total different aircraft?
The introductory photo is of a Douglas C-47, not a Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
@@DavidOgborn so why have a C-130 in the article? Is it millennialism?
@@johnmorykwas2343 In the video, it was explained that the C-119 and the C-130 were converted into gunships based on the success of the AC-47.
@@DavidOgborn then why mislead viewers?
...and in a strong wind will fly backwards!
Spooky was a cartoon Character Like Casper but he was evil & love to scare . Th who they nicknamed this beast after .
Well done
kudos.
I saw its descendant in action in Afghanistan and it was scary to think being under that kind of fire!
AH!!! SPOOKY IS OVERHEAD,
Clearly no one has road in an Osprey
You mean the most “Spooky” plane…
your video refers to John Levitow, a Medal of Honor recipient as an Airman First Class. Those 3 stripes on his uniform in your pic's would be classed as an Senior Airman today, E-4, ( A1st Class today would have 2 stripes E-3), back in the day of that occurrence, those 3 stripes would be ranked as a Sergeant (E-4). A small detail but important in a historical content especially to his proud family and legacy. Look up his name as a Medal of Honor recipient and see...!
The fighter pilots were right. "Attack" aircraft attack ground targets, fighters attack other aircraft.
Well it was pretty spooky
In WW2, a number of B-25s were equiped with 8 forward firing .50 caliber machine guns, making them the first gunship. Trying to bomb ships and Japanese air strips proved frustrating. Bombing from a safe altitude was too inaccurate. The strafing role proved very effective. Coming in at tree top level, the Japanese would not even detect them until it was too late.
Eight .50 cal. in the nose, two .50 cal. in "cheek pods" port & starboard, at least two more forward firing in the top turret, and late in the war, some were fitted with 75mm tank canon for maritime commerce attack; an unworkable experiment as firing that canon was hard on the airframe, popping rivets while deafening the crew and filling the fuselage with smoke everytime the breach was opened to reload.
Cool Man!
The narrator has the perfect voice for these videos.
It's AI...
The portrait shows his rank og buck sgt.
Didn’t he actually receive his MoH as a promoted to Buck Sargent, but his actions were done while an A1c?
"An idea suggested in WW2"... oh, If only they had had 'Spookys' giving support and anti-sub activities in the Eastern Atlantic and in the Bay of Biscay during the Uboat wars.
miny sold us out in mangaweka
Apartheid solja. Did not receive my pro patria medal etc, heils you. We youngens fought for freedom haha. All we can do is appreciate our last counting seconds of life hoping the new generation will thrive from our sacrifices. What a roll model salute
It is amazing how Amerricans still talk about Vietnam as if they were doing some good over there.
Why is Ken Jennings narrating this RUclips video?
The clickbait thumbnail has nothing to do with this video. It's a C-130.
Okay, this is what the vast majority of those reading your comment saw:
"WAAAAAAAHHHH! 😭"
You must be new here. 🙃
The thumbnail shows a twin engine C-47, not a four engine C-130
I was born in December 1969.
I understand that you had to use a very bad, 3-engined AI-generated version of an AC-47 since there are no remaining real pictures of this aircraft. God, what are you doing, these aweful AI-thumbnails on every video now -.-
EDIT: they changed it now, still no real picture, but at least is has the correct amount of engines.
Bro at least this look like a three engine C-47. You won't believe what "task and purpose" has used for an F-22..
@@BengalLancer God, I just looked at it :D These pics are offensive man. The worst for me are "Dark Docs"" thumbnails. Just unrealistic, random, weird ass pics of soldiers/marines and weapons xD
that's a real C-130 variant in the thumbnail
Thats sad that theres no pictures of the ac47 in circulation
Indeed I am filled with awe.
1:06
4.000°F ~ 2500 K = hot
2.000.000 cp ~ 2.000.000 cd = bright
You really hate the SI system, don't you? ❤️ from Germany
Фаренгейта в Цельсия пересчитать в уме так сложно?! Делите на 9 и множите на 5, так что 4000°F = 2222,2(2)°С а по Кельвину нужно еще 272 с копейками прибавлять... )) Кстати, система Си не многим лучше американской системы мер...
How hard is it to convert Fahrenheit to Celsius in your head?! Divide by 9 and multiply by 5, so 4000°F = 2222,2(2)°C and in Kelvin you need to add 272 more with pennies.... )) By the way, the C system is not much better than the American system of measures....
‘MERICA
AC119 THE GOAT 🥶🥶🥶💪💪💪🗣🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🐐🐐🐐🐐
The gunship version of the twin engine twin boom Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar.
Ai will run the world in the future so get in line so that they don’t kill you,😂😂😂
0:14 - "Swift Justice"? A bit strong given the U.S. had more or less entered Vietnam to support the French colonial government. The U.S., and by extension Puff the Magic Dragon, was not administering justice.
Puff the magic dragon sounds like the name of a mob boss
💖
Stop intentionally using AI
Explain
Stop being a dingle
How is he using AI?
@@vpolite1 you tell him big man
@vpolite1 the narration voice is ai.
AC47 STINKY II
I have the power
No comments about being shot down by a mortar!!!
Spooky 71 (spooky seven one, not seventy one) successfully returned-to-base that night... it was not "shot down".
@@surlyogre1476 .. Semantics. It was forced down by a mortar! Get your head around that.
@@Ubique2927
Like it or not an aircraft is not considered "shot down" if it lands successfully even if there's so much damage to it that it's scrapped afterwards, and yes, that's the rules according to the awarding of a shoot down, so no, it's not semantics.
Get your head wrapped around that one.
@@dukecraig2402 .. Do get a life.
@@dukecraig2402 .. Do get a life. You sad little man.
Man, is this a damn AI narration? If yes then please stop using it. One, it's too fast and Two, it makes the occasional mistake. The majority of your vids are very interesting so don't spoil them. If it is actually your voice then I apologize and only ask that you slow down a little. Don't rush it.
Amorgus
Why are you using a C-130 (not sure if it is an AC-130) on the thumbnail for a video about AC-47? The AC-47 story is interesting enough in its own right, given that it was largely a grass-roots program by some thoughtful low ranked officers who’d given serious thought to air-to-ground support for anti-insurgency operations. The ability to loiter (at night) and precisely strike ground targets in contrast to the fast jets make the AC’s so useful (given air supremacy)
The AC-130 was the second generation gunship, (early models using 3 bladed props) but C-130s were too valuable as transports to be spared for the role. The C-119 however was readily available, the fuselage had enough room for the guns and sensors, so they became the third generation gunship, the AC-119G base model, and the AC-119K with 2xJ-60 booster jets under the outer wings.
The AC-130 (up to AC-130U now) has highly evolved sensor suite, and the guns include a 105mm howitzer.
The C-47 has two engines as shown in the thumbnail. The C-130 has four engines.
Thousnad
My brother service in Iraq in 2003
Womp womp
All those folks who died in Vietnam...all the folks who died in Iraq.....all the folks who died in all other wars .....whats the end game......whats thr point .....drop religion and learn to trade.....
Nah, drop the war 🐖 's...has nothing to do with religion. They've lied about every war.
Drop the cowardice and stupidity. No honorable Soldier, Seaman, Airman, Marine WANTS war, but sometimes it's necessary. BTW, religion is NOT the primary initiator of war. Greed and the desire for power & control are. Religion is merely another excuse.
So Vietnam and Iraq were religious wars according to you? Duh! You need to get out of your my-false-narrative-is real-and-has-unlimited-power adult-child religion.
Vietnam and Iraq were not religious wars by any standard. Go easier on the weed.
Rocks from space have caused more extinction than man ever has on this planet. There is no end game; man has been killing and enslaving itself from the beginning of time and likely always will. Be the change you want to see and do your best everyday and you will have done your bit.
The same 30 seconds of video over and over and over again.
2 comments in 2 minutes? Bro fell off
how autistic are you
Last
AC47 SKIBIDI II
Ah John Levitow. When I was in the AF in the 90's, there was the Levitow award. Nice to finally know how it came to be.
Yeah, that’s courage on a different level.
In circumstances like that, training can leave you but instinct never does.
John must have had damn big brass balls.
Thank you for your service. ❤️🤍💙
Still is. It's awarded to the most outstanding Airman (typically SrA/E4) graduating the Airman Leadership School. The history of John Levitow's exploits is not only taught in ALS but is also part of Air Force History that every NCO is supposed to learn for promotion testing.
Thanks for the video. My father Emmett Quill was a AC47 gunship pilot. According to his flight record, he flew Spooky71 about a month later on 20 March 69 as one of his last check rides. He was part of the last cadre of AC47 pilots in theatre. He always said that he would show up on station and open up with an initial burst - and all the shooting would stop. After that he only had to aim at any muzzle flashes because the only people shooting were the viet cong. Amongst his papers, I still have the AC47 gunnery manual. He went on to fly B52s and served several more tours as a B52 pilot.
All kudos to your father. You must be very proud of him. I nearly ended up going to Vietnam too. But just after my number was called there was a change of federal government here (Australia) and all conscription was immediately cancelled. I was hoping to become a pilot, C-47's or Helo's, but that dream fell flat. And your Dad was one of the lucky ones to get to fly B-52's. Wow. That must have been so cool for him, the flying part at least. Thanks to him and others for defending our freedom, as it were.
He'd be happily surprised the Buff is scheduled to keep flying for decades with improvements.
@@nostradamus7648 Considering the B1 was supposed to 'replace' the B52 and will retire before them... He'd laugh like hell.
@@oldtruckswork8989 Yep. Well, every now and then these aircraft makers get something spot on. The grand ole B52 (which I love, btw) and the C-130 Herc (another love) are two prime examples.
He miss called the AC-47 Spooky, AC-47 was Puff, the AC-119 was Shadow, and the AC-130 was Spooky. We had three gunships in Vietnam. In my tours in Vietnam, one of the air bases I was stationed at, one, Tuy Hoa, had all three. Seeing them upfront and personal was awesome. When we knew there as a night sortie close to the base, we'd sit on top of our hooch and watch the show, like a cone of red tracers hitting in one spot. Truly an event to remember to this day. I remember that the AC-119, Shadow, was muffled down so you could barely hear it even on the operations apron with both engines running. All of the AC-119 were left in Vietnam as a final gift to the VC as was all the arms we left to the ARVN's
I can just imagine the show these birds put on, the morale effect on friendly ground troops, and absolute terror of the enemy! AC-47 was designated both "Spooky" and "Puff". AC-119 was designated "Shadow" or "Stinger" depending on the model. AC-130 was designated "Spooky II", "Stinger II", "Spectre" or "Ghostrider" depending on the model.
AC119 were Shadows(119G's 17 SOS) or Stinger(119K's 18SOS). AC130's started as Spectre (16 SOS) and later changed armament and became "Spooky"..
AC119 were Shadows(119G's 17 SOS) or Stinger(119K's 18SOS). AC130's started as Spectre (16 SOS) and later changed arm
ament and became "Spooky"..
During the Tet offensive of 68, we had assorted air support. It was the province capital, Chau Doc. Puff was one in the air, as well as Cobra gunships. One one occasion I watched Puff finish a gun run, and began to turn left to circle for the next. It was night time, and dark. But a lot of the city was on fire, and flares were lighting things up. As the plane made its turn, a small single string of tracer fire rose up from somewhere in the city. Puff continued its circle and returned fire on the source of that tracer fire. A very long burst of minigun fire.
I have joked about that VC being killed by his own commander for drawing Puff's attention.
Was stationed at Ubon, Thailand, 1970-71, calibrating the radar and weapons control systems on the F4-D Phantom. We occasionally had AC-119 Spookys transit through, all were painted flat black for night ops. Ubon had I think two squadrons of AC-130 Spectres, all flat black. Two Vulcans and two 40mm canons. At various Commander Call meetings, we were shown the low level video and infra red video films of strikes at night against supply trucks on the Ho Chi Minh trail. Devastating.
The DC3 gunship supported us Marine grunts in the Da Nang area in 1970 and 71. That one was painted flat black and we called it "Spooky." From the ground, the tracers looked like one of those Martian war machines in The War of the Worlds. Just a river of red fire that tore up everything it touched. And the noise. It wasn't a lot of pops; more a continuous loud buzz, like someone endlessly ripping a piece of canvas apart. Awesome.
Spooky so good it gets a dark skies AND dark docs video.
After all 'epic' fail compilations this is still No 1. Especially love the comments "run" before shit unfolds and "it's gonna be great" just before
" you gotta put out the fuse". Hope everone came out safe and sound.
During WWII, C-47s could have been turned into gunships using a couple dozen M1919s and M2 machine guns.
In the 1980s, John Levitow was the hero every ammo troop 461#0 aspired to.
The pic of John Levittow shows him wearing the rank of Sergeant, not Airman First Class
It’s not unusual to promote MOH recipients rapidly after the acts of valor and the actual approval: Entire chain of command approval, chief of staff, chairman, and congress. This process takes years…
They're like low speed NASCAR - fly slow, turn left.
The C-47 didn't become obsolete in the immediate post-WWII period. In fact, the venerable airframe proved instrumental in keeping the city of West Berlin alive during the Soviet blockade of 1948-49.
Seen them Eglin AFB Florida range 52 on night training missions early 1960. Could see flares and hear the lonesome growling of mini guns. This would be all night long for several years.
I was born in 1951, And flew very often in the DC3, Last time about 1975-76, Wonderfull airplane. It's like watching a modern C47/hercules, 120 - 130