IIRC, the max effective range of the Ma Deuce is 1,800 meters, or slightly more than a mile. AC-130s conduct missions higher than a mile? The max effective range of an M60 is 800 meters, or 2400 feet. I've always thought that was more of the altitude in which they operated.
Scouts Out! Cavalry Ho!
IIRC, the max effective range of the Ma Deuce is 1,800 meters, or slightly more than a mile That's the range in horizontal distance. It takes more energy to fire a projectile 1,800 meters straight up.
The AC-130U "Attack altitude: Between 5,500 and 10,500 ft. above ground level depending on the threat environment"
Besides ground fire, they also have to worry about man-carried anti-aircraft missiles.