O

TYPE REPORT | COLOMBIAN AC-47T

F ALL THE countries

in the Americas,
Colombia has
experienced the
longest sustained
period of internal
conflict. While its war against communist
guerrillas began in 1964, the roots of this
strife go back to the late 1940s.
Beginning in the late 1980s, FARC
(Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de
Colombia, Revolutionary Armed Forces

STRONG
of Colombia) and ELN (Ejrcito de

STILL Liberacin Nacional, National Liberation

Army) guerrillas became increasingly
entwined with drug traffickers, which

GOING
The Colombian Air Force still uses the legendary Douglas
C-47 in the form of its Basler BT-67 turboprop
conversion as a gunship. Known as the Fantasma,
these venerable aircraft continue to see action against
local guerrillas as well as acting as command posts for
anti-criminal operations.
report and photos: Santiago Rivas
80
financed them. Today these groups are
direct participants in narcotics
production. Furthermore, the guerrillas
and other groups are involved in illegal
mining, a growing problem in the
jungles of Latin America.
To fight these threats, the Colombian
Air Force (Fuerza Area Colombiana, FAC)
began to develop a powerful counter-
insurgency (COIN) force equipped with
both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
It gained particular impetus from the late
1980s. Some of these aircraft are the
same as were used in COIN warfare in
South-east Asia, but have been

www.combataircraft.net January 2016


considerably modernized, like the Huey II
and the AC-47T Fantasma, the latter an
updated equivalent of the famous AC-47
Spooky as employed in Vietnam.
The FAC has operated the Douglas C-47
since 1944, but for most of the years that
followed the type was only used as a
transport. The C-47 was an ideal airlifter
in a land of difficult terrain, with
mountains and jungles, where aircraft are
required to operate from un-paved
runways, in hot weather and sometimes
at very high altitude. It was cheap and
reliable to operate. The aircraft remains
just as useful today, and Colombia
maintains the largest fleet of DC-3s and
C-47s in commercial service anywhere in
the world.
Gunship origins
The FAC decided to modernize its fleet in
the 1980s as the war against the
guerrillas became more intense. Plans
Fantasma
serial 1681 were developed to acquire H-60 Black
gets airborne. Hawk helicopters, OV-10 Broncos,
Despite their Embraer Tucanos, intelligence aircraft,
age, the AC-47Ts
have proven and many other types. In 1986 it was
extremely decided to modify some of the remaining
reliable, and no C-47s as gunships, using experience
replacement
plans currently gained by the US Air Force and South
exist. Vietnamese Air Force in Vietnam, and by
January 2016
COLOMBIAN AC-47T | TYPE REPORT
El Salvador, where C-47s were being used
against insurgents.
With help from the US government, the
first two aircraft were modified in 1987,
receiving three Browning M3 0.5in
(12.7mm)-caliber machine guns. The
initial pair, FAC 1681 and 1686, were
outfitted with new navigation and
communications equipment. A sight
taken from a Lockheed T-33 was fitted in
the pilots port cockpit window to help
fire the weapons, which were mounted at
an angle of 25 degrees. LUU-2 flares were
provided for night illumination, while the
first window in the rear cabin was
removed and an air intake installed to
create an air stream within the cabin,
drawing smoke from the guns out
through the main door.
The two aircraft began operations with
great success. Soon after, FAC 1650, 1652
and 1654 were similarly modified.
However, the age of the C-47 was made
evident in August 1988 when FAC 1650
crashed while flying between Villavicencio
and Girardot, killing all its occupants. The
gunships also lacked adequate equipment
for operating at night. For nocturnal
taskings, tactics required the target to be
illuminated with flares, before taking aim
with the day sight.
As the Fantasmas guns are
fixed, precision depends on the
proficiency of the pilot, who aims
by maneuvering the aircraft
Turbo conversions
A decision was taken to improve the
aircraft using the turboprop conversion
offered by Basler Turbo Conversions of
Wisconsin. This took in structural
modifications, a lengthened fuselage and
other changes. Once integrated, the
aircraft became the BT-67, with Pratt &
Whitney PT6A-67R engines. In 1993 serials
FAC 1681, 1686 and 1656 were taken to
the US for the work to be done, and on
October 17, 1994 the first two aircraft, FAC
1681 and 1656, were officially re-delivered
to the FAC.
The modernized aircraft received a Star
SAFIRE forward-looking infra-red (FLIR)
sensor under the nose, an Omega
navigation system, an internal
communication system, and new
communications equipment to maintain
contact with ground troops and
command posts. All this kit was operated
from a position in the forward part of the
cargo cabin. The crew consisted of two
pilots, one navigator and systems operator
(operating the FLIR and communications
with other aircraft and ground forces), one
mechanic, one chief armorer, and three
armorers (the latter later reduced to two).
FAC 1686 was returned to service next,
followed by FAC 1683. FAC 1654 arrived in 81
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 TYPE REPORT | COLOMBIAN AC-47T
82
Colombia on February 12, 1996, with FAC
1659 next on June 30, 1998, FAC 1670 on
June 30, 2000, FAC 1658 on January 31,
2001 and finally FAC 1667 shortly after
that. This latter example had been
modified to replace FAC 1659, lost in an
accident in September 2000. Another loss
followed in 2002 when FAC 1656 crashed
while returning from a mission over
Montezuma Hill, north of the town
of Pereira.
The modernized aircraft were
designated AC-47T by the FAC. Since the
FLIR had enhanced the types night
capabilities, Capt Jorge Salazar, one of the
first AC-47T pilots, adopted the call sign
Fantasma (phantom), reflecting the fact
that the aircraft couldnt be seen by the
guerrillas and made little noise. The call
sign became the popular name for all
FAC AC-47Ts.
Originally, the type entered service with
Escuadrn de Combate Tctico 113
Fantasma, part of the Comando Areo de lighting. Special LUU-19B/B flares were
Combate 1 (CACOM-1) at Base Area
Germn Olano in the town of Palanquero,
Cundinamarca department. They went on
to serve with Escuadrn de Combate
Tctico 213 of CACOM-2 at Base Area
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Capitn Luis Gmez Nino, Apiay, Meta;
Escuadrn de Combate Tctico 313 of
CACOM-3 at Base Area Mayor General
Alberto Powels, Malambo, Barranquilla;
Escuadrn de Combate Tctico 613 of
CACOM-6 at Base Area Capitn Ernesto
Esguerra Cubides, Tres Esquinas;
Escuadrilla de Combate 1113 of the Grupo
Areo de Oriente, Maranda, Vichada; and
Escuadrn de Combate 713 of the Escuela
Militar de Aviacin (Military Aviation
School) in Cali.
While the M3 Ma Deuce machine guns
as originally fitted were very precise, their
low rate of fire and problems with the
barrels overheating led to their
replacement by two GAU-19 Miniguns.
Each of these 0.5in-caliber weapons has
three rotary barrels.
Night fighting
Night vision goggles (NVGs) were added
in 1997, together with modified cockpit
introduced, which can only be seen
with the NVGs.
Capt Juan Monsalve, commander of
Escuadrn de Combate Tctico 213,
explains that the original LUU-2 flare is
January 2016
 COLOMBIAN AC-47T | TYPE REPORT

Left page top to mainly used for dissuasion. When theres it was known that they possessed training mission from Palanquero, killing
bottom: Serial information of a possible attack, the man-portable air defense systems the five occupants. The aircraft suffered a
FAC 1658 taxies
at Rionegro Air airplane goes and drops a flare, so the (MANPADS) at least one had been structural failure and began to lose height,
Base during a guerrilla knows we are there and they fired against a helicopter, without before the wings detached and the
deployment. have lost the element of surprise. success. In all their briefings AC-47T crews fuselage impacted the ground.
The elongated
fuselage of the The flares use a barometric system and review the procedure to avoid anti-
Basler BT-67 crew can adjust them to ignite at altitudes aircraft artillery and missiles. Detection of Operations
conversion from 250 to 10,000ft. Monsalve continues: the missile must be made visually. Capt Combat Aircraft visited Escuadrn de
makes it a more
suitable gunship When we support an air assault, we have Monsalve again: When we are over the Combate Tctico 213 at Apiay, which flies
platform than to calculate to ensure the flare falls to the targets, we are all looking outside, and if one of the six Fantasmas currently in
the standard ground still burning, so the helicopter someone sees a missile he must shout service (five are usually operational, one
DC-3/C-47.
An air intake pilots can see it until it reaches the ground; missile and the position from where it [is on each squadron, with one undergoing
replaces one of there cant be any debris falling unseen in coming]. I reduce power to minimum, maintenance). Apiay is also home to an
the windows to the middle of a lot of helicopters landing. I drop the flares and turn to where the AH-60L Arpa III (an attack-configured
create a means
of airflow, always try to put the flare as close as missile is coming from. The flares can be Black Hawk), a combat search and rescue
designed to possible to the landing zone, but not over fired by the pilot, the navigator or from (CSAR) Black Hawk known as the ngel,
purge gun gas them. We find the landing zone; we must the armorers position. and three Cessna Grand Caravans, one
fumes from the
cabin. know the elevation of the site, my height, Later, in the mid-2000s, the AC-47Ts each for medical evacuation, intelligence-
the wind, and how long the flares burn received a new navigation suite, featuring gathering and transport.
Inside the
Fantasmas [the infra-red flares have a different a BRITE Star II FLIR with higher definition, Monsalve explained how they operate: It
cockpit, the duration]. One falls at 900ft per minute satellite communications, GPS and other all starts when the ground troops are in
most noticeable and the other at 700. We try to drop them improvements. A 20mm GIAT M621 gun combat and they send the request to the
elements are
the pilots sight so they fall to one side or behind the was added to the weapons options, brigade, which makes contact with the
on the left and helicopter pilots, so their light does not replacing one of the two GAU-19s usually command and control center, which has
the FLIR screen blind them. The chief armorer is the one in installed. In practice, the GIAT is only used intelligence, operations, meteorology and
on the co-pilots
panel. charge of dropping them from the door, against fortified targets or buildings, as it is air traffic control officers working around
which is always open. not considered effective against infantry the clock. They decide if the operation is to
The navigators
station features Another improvement saw the addition and the recoil can cause structural be activated and, if so, they call the
a large screen of chaff and flare dispensers to the problems on the aircraft. commanders of the group and the base.
for the FLIR Fantasma. Although missiles launched by FAC 1670 was lost in an accident on We use the concept of C3I2 command,
and extensive
communications guerrillas had not shot down any aircraft, February 18, 2009 while engaged in a control, communications, intelligence and 83
equipment.
Below: The main
cabin holds
ammunition
boxes plus
storage for
illumination
flares on the
left, which
can be fired
through the
main door.

January 2016 www.combataircraft.net

 TYPE REPORT | COLOMBIAN AC-47T

information. When they call us, they first

give a code that determines the urgency
of the operation. If its red-red, the aircraft
must take off immediately and all the
information is given while its on the way
to the target. Another option is that we go
to the C3I2 post and they give us the
information.
When we are called, we have a chain of
information. I call the co-pilot and the
mechanic; the co-pilot calls the navigator,
and the mechanic calls the chief armorer
and the two armorers. The last of them has
to call me, so I know they are all informed
about the mission. With red-red during 1659
the day we have 20 minutes to get
airborne and 30 if its at night. The aircraft
is always ready for take-off, with fuel and
ammunition.
On red-red missions, we receive the 1670
information in-flight, with co-ordinates,
then the call signs of the ground troops
and their radio frequencies. I start calling
them, and we inform them we are going
in and when we expect to be there. This
has a very important psychological effect
on them. We ask them whats happening
on the ground, their location and where
the enemy is located in relation to them.
They explain the entire tactical situation,
84 which is not easy, as they are in the middle
of the fight.
Once we have their position, our first job
is to locate them and then they guide us
to where the enemy is; they give us a
DOUGLAS AC-47 AND BASLER AC-47T FANTASMA IN FAC SERVICE
Delivered after
Serial c/n Notes
conversion
Built as C-47A-30-DK. Former FAC 650.
1650 14056/25501 Not converted
Lost in accident, August 30, 1988.
Former FAC 652. Not converted into
1652 Not converted
BT-67, retired in early 1990s.
Built as C-47B-10-DK. Former FAC 654A.
1654 14847/26292 February 12, 1996
Basler conversion kit 26. In service.
Lost in accident at Cerro Montezuma,
1656 October 17, 1994
2002.
Built as C-47B-25-DK. Basler conversion
1658 15793/32541 January 31, 2001
kit 37. Former USAF 44-76209. In service.
Built as C-47B-30-DK. Basler conversion
16236/32984 June 30, 1998 kit 29. Former USAF 44-76652. Lost in
accident, September 2, 2000.
Built as C-47A-65-DL. Former USAF
1667 19052 2002 42-100589. Basler conversion kit 38. In
service.
Built as C-47A-70-DL. Basler conversion
19125 June 30, 2000 kit 36. Former N40359. Lost in accident,
February 18, 2009, during training flight.
Built as C-47B-35-DK. Former FAC 681.
1681 16500/33248 October 17, 1994 Basler conversion kit 23. In service. Wears
20 years of the Fantasma markings.
1683 15692/27137 Unknown Former N472DK. In service.
1686 13998/25443 1994 Former USAF 43-48182. In service.
distance and a direction and we start the arrived, but this made it easier for the pilot
search. Having found the enemy, we start to find them, since he could spot the fire
the attack. from their weapons. Now, the guerrillas
Almost all operations are conducted at have learned to stop firing and try to
night, and the navigator uses the FLIR to separate from each other and hide,
locate both the enemy and the friendly making pursuit more difficult. Since the
troops. In the past, the guerrillas guerrillas are usually armed with light
continued fighting when the Fantasmas weapons and the Fantasma always attacks

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from 4,000ft, the aircraft are out of range
of hostile fire.
As the Fantasmas guns are fixed,
precision depends on the proficiency of
the pilot, who aims by maneuvering the
aircraft. The wind, speed, height and
banking all affect the trajectory of fire,
explains Monsalve, who adds that the
best tactic is to maintain the same speed,
height and banking, although this is not
possible over mountains. With each burst
you adjust the aiming. When I fly I watch
the sight, the ground and my screen to
see what the navigator is watching on
the FLIR. The key is to work well between
the navigator and the pilot. A good
navigator must have the capacity to
identify the guerrillas; they hide in the
trees, walk like animals they have
tactics. The FLIR has a laser and I only
have to aim where the laser is. The
navigator gives me the azimuth. By day
its more difficult. I cant see the laser and
its more difficult to see the light of the
sight.
The aircraft can act as a forward air
control and command post during
anti-guerrilla operations. The navigator
commands all the activities of the aircraft
taking part in the operation and is in
permanent contact with ground units. He
co-ordinates attacks by other aircraft,
according to the position of the ground
troops. The AC-47T command posts
usually function together with the attack
squadrons, equipped with Tucanos, Super
Tucanos, A-37B Dragonflies, as well as
Arpa III attack helicopters. The OV-10As
previously operated are now grounded.
The Fantasmas offer up to 10 hours of
endurance.
Other missions
Another important mission carried out by
the Fantasma is to act as a command post
in order to support medical evacuations.
In these situations, the AC-47T remains
January 2016
COLOMBIAN AC-47T | TYPE REPORT
over the area where the evacuation is machinery, and had to direct the
taking place. When the medevac police there.
helicopter or aircraft arrives (usually a Then there are efforts to counter drug
Huey II, a Black Hawk or a Grand Caravan), traffickers in the Caribbean Sea. In the
the Fantasma drops a flare to illuminate past, drugs were taken to the Pacific
the area and remains orbiting until the Ocean via the south of Colombia, but
evacuation is complete. large quantities of narcotics are now
Since 2010 the problem of illegal being brought to Venezuela and taken
mining, in most cases performed by from there to the United States via the
guerrillas, has increased. The government Caribbean, through Central America or
decided to create a special police unit for one of the islands en route. Since 2013
ground interdiction, supported by the the FAC has based an aircraft on San
Army and the Air Force. For operations Andrs Island for operations against
against these mines, the Fantasmas are illegal maritime traffic. The Fantasma flies
again used as command posts. As there together with a Cessna SR26 Horus, a
are many civilians in the mines, air strikes Citation carrying an AN/APG-66 radar.
are not possible. However, the aircraft are The Horus can detect the go-fast vessels
always armed in case of attack by the used by drug traffickers and then the
guerrillas, or if guerrillas are Fantasma is sent to follow them. The slow
defending the area. speed and endurance of the Fantasma
The Fantasma looks for ground troops are ideal for pursuing the vessels and
Left page: The with the FLIR. If there are more mines in guiding Colombian Navy or US Coast
Fantasma fleet the area, it guides the police forces Guard ships to capture them. The
is equipped with towards them, so they can destroy the Fantasma flies around seven miles behind
the BRITE Star
II FLIR, most of mining equipment. Here, the main the Horus, maneuvering in an S pattern,
its strikes being advantage of the Fantasma is its very and has achieved very good results.
performed at useful endurance, as these operations are While the Fantasmas are old, they are
night.
usually long. Monsalve recalls one that still extremely useful to the FAC, and
Right: The rear lasted seven hours 20 minutes, during there are no current plans to
fuselage is which they discovered further mines and replace them.
all about the
weaponry, with 85
the GAU-19
forward and
GIAT M621
aft in this
configuration.
Below left
to right: The
GAU-19
Minigun. Each
of these 0.5in-
caliber weapons
has three rotary
barrels.
The 20mm
GIAT M621
gun is used
in operations
against fortified
targets.
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