AC-123 Black Spot

Fairchild C-123 Provider airplane model. In December of 1965, the USAF began Project Black Spot. This test program was designed to give the Air Force a self-contained night attack capability to seek out and destroy targets along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In early-1966, the concept was approved by the Department of Defense and two Fairchild C-123K Providers (#54-691 and #54-698) were modified by E-Systems of Greenville, Texas to the redesignated NC-123K (often referred to as AC-123K) configuration.

The aircraft were equipped with a long, 57.75-inch nose fairing that housed an X-band forward-looking radar. Below and aft of the extended radome was a turret with Forward-Looking Infrared Radar (FLIR), Low-Level Light Television (LLLTV), and a laser rangefinder/illuminator. Also, a low-level Doppler navigation radar and weapons release computer were installed.

Mahogany Wood. Wingspan 20 inches, Length 13 1/2 inches.