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AC-130 vs C-130 Hercules

AC-130 vs C-130 Hercules at a glance — top speed 669 vs 593 km/h, range 4,800 vs 3,800 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 70,307 kg, built 21 vs 2,500 units.

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-130 Hercules
Specifications
AC-130 C-130 Hercules
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Lockheed
First flight 1 January 1967 23 August 1954
Year introduced 1968 1956
Number produced 21 units 2500 units
Average unit price $150 million $68 million
Wing area 162.2 m² 162.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 40.4 m
Height 11.7 m 11.7 m
Length 29.8 m 29.8 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 593 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 3,800 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 10,058 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 70,307 kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 35,800 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 4 x 3,661 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or C-130 Hercules?
The AC-130 is faster with a maximum speed of 669 km/h compared to the C-130 Hercules's 593 km/h, a difference of 76 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or C-130 Hercules?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the C-130 Hercules's 3,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the AC-130's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the AC-130's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the AC-130's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AC-130 or C-130 Hercules?
The AC-130 is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the C-130 Hercules at $68 million.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 12 years before the AC-130 which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,500 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.