AC-130 vs EA-6B Prowler
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).
| American gunship, deployed in Vietnam and Iraq wars, known for long duration, low-level ground attack and close air support missions. | |
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| 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. | |
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| 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 ◉ |
| 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 | 49.2 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 16.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.1 m ◉ |
| Length | 18.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 1048 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 3,745 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 11,460 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 27,896 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 14,134 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 2,359 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.