AC-130 vs E-8 Joint STARS
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).
| American gunship, deployed in Vietnam and Iraq wars, known for long duration, low-level ground attack and close air support missions. | |
|
|
| 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 |
| American command and control aircraft, instrumental during Persian Gulf War, primarily deployed for surveillance and ground-target tracking missions. | |
|
|
| 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 |
| 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 ◉ |
| 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.