AC-130 vs 747

The AC-130 and the 747 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 669 km/h for the AC-130 vs 1,014 km/h for the 747. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 12,150 km for the 747. The 747 operates at altitudes up to 13,746 m compared to 9,144 m for the AC-130. At 377,842 kg MTOW, the 747 is 5.4x the AC-130's 70,307 kg. The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 1,574 for the 747. Unit cost is $150M for the AC-130 vs $285M for the 747. The AC-130 first flew 2 years before the 747 (1967 vs 1969).

American gunship, deployed in Vietnam and Iraq wars, known for long duration, low-level ground attack and close air support missions.
Lockheed Martin AC-130 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 January 1967
Year introduced 1968
Number produced 21 units
Average unit price $150 million

747

American wide-body commercial jet airliner, conceived in the 1960s and renowned for transcontinental and transatlantic flights.
Boeing 747 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 9 February 1969
Year introduced 1970
Number produced 1574 units
Average unit price $285 million
Wing area 162.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 40.4 m â—‰
Height 11.7 m â—‰
Length 29.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 669 km/h â—‰
Operational range 4,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,144 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW â—‰

747

Wing area 511.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 59.6 m â—‰
Height 19.3 m â—‰
Length 70.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1014 km/h â—‰
Operational range 12,150 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,746 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 377,842 kg â—‰
Empty weight 173,726 kg
Total thrust 4 x 25,719 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or 747?
The 747 is faster with a maximum speed of 1,014 km/h compared to the AC-130's 669 km/h, a difference of 345 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or 747?
The 747 has a longer range at 12,150 km compared to the AC-130's 4,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or 747?
The 747 has a higher service ceiling at 13,746 meters (45,098 ft) compared to the AC-130's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or 747?
The 747 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 377,842 kg compared to the AC-130's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or 747?
The 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the AC-130's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AC-130 or 747?
The 747 is more expensive at approximately $285 million per unit compared to the AC-130 at $150 million.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or 747?
The AC-130 entered service first in 1968, 2 years before the 747 which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or 747?
The 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.