AC-130 vs EA-6B Prowler

American gunship, deployed in Vietnam and Iraq wars, known for long duration, low-level ground attack and close air support missions.
Picture of AC-130
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 electronic warfare aircraft, vital during the Cold War, widely deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Picture of EA-6B Prowler
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 25 May 1968
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 170 units
Average unit price $52 million
Wing area 162.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 40.4 m â—‰
Height 11.7 m â—‰
Length 29.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 669 km/h â—‰
Operational range 4,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,144 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed Martin AC-130
Wing area 49.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 16.0 m â—‰
Height 5.1 m â—‰
Length 18.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1048 km/h â—‰
Operational range 3,745 km â—‰
Service ceiling 11,460 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 27,896 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,134 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,717 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Grumman EA-6B Prowler

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or EA-6B Prowler?
The EA-6B Prowler is faster with a maximum speed of 1,048 km/h compared to the AC-130's 669 km/h, a difference of 379 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or EA-6B Prowler?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 3,745 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or EA-6B Prowler?
The EA-6B Prowler has a higher service ceiling at 11,460 meters (37,598 ft) compared to the AC-130's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or EA-6B Prowler?
The AC-130 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 27,896 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or EA-6B Prowler?
The AC-130 is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 18.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AC-130 or EA-6B Prowler?
The AC-130 is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the EA-6B Prowler at $52 million.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or EA-6B Prowler?
The AC-130 entered service first in 1968, 3 years before the EA-6B Prowler which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or EA-6B Prowler?
The EA-6B Prowler has been produced in greater numbers with 170 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.