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A-10 Thunderbolt II vs AC-130

A-10 Thunderbolt II vs AC-130 at a glance — top speed 675 vs 669 km/h, range 4,150 vs 4,800 km, max takeoff weight 22,680 vs 70,307 kg, built 716 vs 21 units.

Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-10 Thunderbolt IIFull specs
Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130Full specs
Specifications
A-10 Thunderbolt II AC-130
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Fairchild Republic Lockheed Martin
First flight 10 May 1972 1 January 1967
Year introduced 1975 1968
Number produced 716 units 21 units
Average unit price $12.1 million $150 million
Wing area 47.0 m² 162.2 m²
Wingspan 17.5 m 40.4 m
Height 4.5 m 11.7 m
Length 16.3 m 29.8 m
Maximum speed 675 km/h 669 km/h
Operational range 4,150 km 4,800 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 9,144 m
Max. takeoff weight 22,680 kg 70,307 kg
Empty weight 11,321 kg 33,063 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,224 kgf 4 x 3,661 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or AC-130?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II is faster with a maximum speed of 675 km/h compared to the AC-130's 669 km/h, a difference of 6 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or AC-130?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 4,150 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or AC-130?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the AC-130's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or AC-130?
The AC-130 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 22,680 kg.
Which is larger, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or AC-130?
The AC-130 is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II's 16.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or AC-130?
The AC-130 is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the A-10 Thunderbolt II at $12 million.
Which entered service first, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or AC-130?
The AC-130 entered service first in 1968, 7 years before the A-10 Thunderbolt II which entered service in 1975.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-10 Thunderbolt II or AC-130?
The A-10 Thunderbolt II has been produced in greater numbers with 716 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.