AC-130 Gunship

AC-130 Gunship
Faction	Nod
Function	Automated Vehicle
Health	6000
Armor Type	Heavy
Armaments	Bombs
Seats	1
Cost	$800 (Airstrike)

The AC-130 Gunship is a variant of the AC-130 Cargo Plane, carrying bombs instead of vehicles. It is a Vehicle of the Brotherhood of Nod, and it can be only called via Airstrikes.

Appearance

The AC-130 Gunship is a large grey airplane with red stripes carrying bombs under its wings and in its cargo bay.

Function

The AC-130 Gunship is employed for sustained bombardment. An airstrike will call one of them that will drop its payload along a clockwise path, starting its circle from the location designated by the binoculars.

Strategy

Usage

The airstrike can be aimed at a chokepoint to dissuade enemy vehicle to move out if not striking them; still they will probably get struck by some hits even if they move backwards due to the large splash damage. Aiming the back of the enemy vehicles will assure the most hits from it, considering that they will probably retreat. The bombing run can kill Hotwires repairing tanks in field or keep them inside the tanks for the duration of the airstrike. A well-timed AC-130 run can potentially take out a clustered formation of Medium Tanks preparing to rush.

Calling an airstrike on the opponent base can kill defending infantry, since the gunship will remain on the location for a while before leaving. In addition, an airstrike just before a Superweapon Beacon is placed can potentially kill any infantry and destroy any vehicle that could take down the beacon cover.

AC-130 Gunship's bombs deal high damage against infantry and vehicles, but they are not effective against buildings.

Counters

The AC-130 Gunship cannot be shot down, so it is best to avoid its payload. A tiny red laser and an enemy player standing still is an indicator for an incoming airstrike, but they can be both difficult to spot. A warning appearing in form of message broadcasted will make players aware of the airstrike. Seek natural cover and retreat back to minimize the damage from the airstrike. If in the open, look for the plane's location and sprint counterclockwise to get out of the bombing, maximizing the time you possess before the plane drops bombs near your location.

Trivia

• The AC-130 Gunship can be summoned and piloted via Console in skirmish matches. It is piloted akin to a airplane, being unable to standing still. Also, it cannot fire anything and its gargantuan size makes it troublesome to fly around with it.