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AC-130 vs KC-135 Stratotanker

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
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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

Overview

The AC-130 and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 669 km/h for the AC-130 vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 9,144 m for the AC-130. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 2.1:1 the AC-130's 70,307 kg.

The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $150M for the AC-130 vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 11 years before the AC-130 (1956 vs 1967).

Related Comparisons
KC-135 Stratotanker vs Il-78 Midas AC-130 vs PA-32 Cherokee Six AC-130 vs King Air 90 AC-130 vs DHC-2 Beaver AC-130 vs Boeing 747 AC-130 vs S-2 Tracker

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.