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AC-130 vs EA-6B Prowler

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
Grumman EA-6B Prowler military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EA-6B Prowler
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AC-130 EA-6B Prowler
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Grumman
First flight 1 January 1967 25 May 1968
Year introduced 1968 1971
Number produced 21 units 170 units
Average unit price $150 million $52 million
Wing area 162.2 m² 49.2 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 16.0 m
Height 11.7 m 5.1 m
Length 29.8 m 18.0 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 1048 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 3,745 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 11,460 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 27,896 kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 14,134 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 2 x 4,717 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AC-130 and the EA-6B Prowler are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Grumman respectively.

Top speed is 669 km/h for the AC-130 vs 1,048 km/h for the EA-6B Prowler. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 3,745 km for the EA-6B Prowler. The EA-6B Prowler operates at altitudes up to 11,460 m compared to 9,144 m for the AC-130. At 70,307 kg MTOW, the AC-130 is 2.5x the EA-6B Prowler's 27,896 kg.

The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 170 for the EA-6B Prowler. Unit cost is $150M for the AC-130 vs $52M for the EA-6B Prowler. The AC-130 first flew 1 years before the EA-6B Prowler (1967 vs 1968).

Related Comparisons
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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.