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AC-130 vs KC-135 Stratotanker

AC-130 vs KC-135 Stratotanker at a glance — top speed 669 vs 933 km/h, range 4,800 vs 2,400 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 146,283 kg, built 21 vs 803 units.

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
Specifications
AC-130 KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Boeing
First flight 1 January 1967 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1968 1957
Number produced 21 units 803 units
Average unit price $150 million $39 million
Wing area 162.2 m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 39.9 m
Height 11.7 m 12.7 m
Length 29.8 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the AC-130's 669 km/h, a difference of 264 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the AC-130's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the AC-130's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the AC-130's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AC-130 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The AC-130 is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 11 years before the AC-130 which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.