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Head-to-head

AC-130 vs Boeing 747

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
Boeing 747 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Boeing 747
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AC-130 Boeing 747
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Boeing
First flight 1 January 1967 9 February 1969
Year introduced 1968 1970
Number produced 21 units 1574 units
Average unit price $150 million $285 million
Wing area 162.2 m² 511.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 59.6 m
Height 11.7 m 19.3 m
Length 29.8 m 70.6 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 1014 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 12,150 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 13,746 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 377,842 kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 173,726 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 4 x 25,719 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AC-130 and the Boeing 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 Boeing 747. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 12,150 km for the Boeing 747. The Boeing 747 operates at altitudes up to 13,746 m compared to 9,144 m for the AC-130. At 377,842 kg MTOW, the Boeing 747 is 5.4:1 the AC-130's 70,307 kg.

The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 1,574 for the Boeing 747. Unit cost is $150M for the AC-130 vs $285M for the Boeing 747. The AC-130 first flew 2 years before the Boeing 747 (1967 vs 1969).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or Boeing 747?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747?
The Boeing 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the AC-130's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AC-130 or Boeing 747?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747?
The AC-130 entered service first in 1968, 2 years before the Boeing 747 which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or Boeing 747?
The Boeing 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.