GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

AC-130 vs DHC-2 Beaver

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-2 Beaver
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AC-130 DHC-2 Beaver
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin De Havilland Canada
First flight 1 January 1967 16 August 1947
Year introduced 1968 1948
Number produced 21 units 1657 units
Average unit price $150 million $400K
Wing area 162.2 m² 23.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 15.0 m
Height 11.7 m 2.7 m
Length 29.8 m 9.2 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 254 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 732 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 5,486 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg -- kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 1,361 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 1 x 336 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AC-130 and the DHC-2 Beaver are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and De Havilland Canada respectively.

The AC-130 reaches 669 km/h — 2.6:1 the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 732 km for the DHC-2 Beaver. The AC-130 operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver.

The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 1,657 for the DHC-2 Beaver. Unit cost is $150M for the AC-130 vs $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 20 years before the AC-130 (1947 vs 1967).

Related Comparisons
AC-130 vs PA-32 Cherokee Six AC-130 vs King Air 90 AC-130 vs Boeing 747 AC-130 vs S-2 Tracker AC-130 vs Boeing 707 AC-130 vs KC-135 Stratotanker

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AC-130 is faster with a maximum speed of 669 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 415 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AC-130 has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AC-130 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AC-130 is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AC-130 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AC-130 is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 20 years before the AC-130 which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.