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AC-130 vs EC-130 Commando Solo

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
Lockheed Martin EC-130 Commando Solo military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EC-130 Commando Solo
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Specifications
AC-130 EC-130 Commando Solo
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 January 1967 1 January 1957
Year introduced 1968 1975
Number produced 21 units 14 units
Average unit price $150 million $150 million
Wing area 162.2 m² 162.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 40.3 m
Height 11.7 m 11.8 m
Length 29.8 m 29.7 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 671 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 4,300 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 8,534 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 74,389 kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 34,274 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 4 x 4,474 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AC-130 and the EC-130 Commando Solo are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Lockheed Martin respectively.

Top speed is 669 km/h for the AC-130 vs 671 km/h for the EC-130 Commando Solo. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 4,300 km for the EC-130 Commando Solo. The AC-130 operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 8,534 m for the EC-130 Commando Solo.

The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 14 for the EC-130 Commando Solo. Unit cost is $150M for the AC-130 vs $150M for the EC-130 Commando Solo. The EC-130 Commando Solo first flew 10 years before the AC-130 (1957 vs 1967).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo is faster with a maximum speed of 671 km/h compared to the AC-130's 669 km/h, a difference of 2 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 4,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The AC-130 has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 74,389 kg compared to the AC-130's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The AC-130 is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 29.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AC-130 or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the AC-130 at $150 million.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The AC-130 entered service first in 1968, 7 years before the EC-130 Commando Solo which entered service in 1975.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The AC-130 has been produced in greater numbers with 21 units compared to 14 units of the EC-130 Commando Solo.