AC-130 vs E-8 Joint STARS

Overview

The AC-130 and the E-8 Joint STARS are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Boeing/Northrop Grumman respectively.

Top speed is 669 km/h for the AC-130 vs 853 km/h for the E-8 Joint STARS. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 6,821 km for the E-8 Joint STARS. The E-8 Joint STARS operates at altitudes up to 12,802 m compared to 9,144 m for the AC-130. At 152,407 kg MTOW, the E-8 Joint STARS is 2.2x the AC-130's 70,307 kg.

The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 17 for the E-8 Joint STARS. Unit cost is $150M for the AC-130 vs $250M for the E-8 Joint STARS. The AC-130 first flew 27 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1967 vs 1994).

AC-130

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
→ View full AC-130 details

E-8 Joint STARS

American command and control aircraft, instrumental during Persian Gulf War, primarily deployed for surveillance and ground-target tracking missions.
Boeing/Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing/Northrop Grumman
First flight 1 January 1994
Year introduced 1996
Number produced 17 units
Average unit price $250 million
→ View full E-8 Joint STARS details

AC-130

Wing area 162.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 40.4 m ◉
Height 11.7 m ◉
Length 29.8 m ◉
Maximum speed 669 km/h ◉
Operational range 4,800 km ◉
Service ceiling 9,144 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg ◉
Empty weight 33,063 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 915 kW ◉

E-8 Joint STARS

Wing area 283.4 m² ◉
Wingspan 44.4 m ◉
Height 13.0 m ◉
Length 46.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 853 km/h ◉
Operational range 6,821 km ◉
Service ceiling 12,802 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 152,407 kg ◉
Empty weight 77,564 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 2,177 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the AC-130's 669 km/h, a difference of 184 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a longer range at 6,821 km compared to the AC-130's 4,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher service ceiling at 12,802 meters (42,001 ft) compared to the AC-130's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the AC-130's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the AC-130's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AC-130 or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the AC-130 at $150 million.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or E-8 Joint STARS?
The AC-130 entered service first in 1968, 28 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or E-8 Joint STARS?
The AC-130 has been produced in greater numbers with 21 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.

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