AC-130 vs King Air 90

The AC-130 and the King Air 90 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Beechcraft respectively. Top speed is 669 km/h for the AC-130 vs 494 km/h for the King Air 90. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 2,446 km for the King Air 90. The AC-130 operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 7,574 m for the King Air 90. At 70,307 kg MTOW, the AC-130 is 13:1 the King Air 90's 5,352 kg. The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 3,100 for the King Air 90. The King Air 90 first flew 3 years before the AC-130 (1964 vs 1967).

American gunship, deployed in Vietnam and Iraq wars, known for long duration, low-level ground attack and close air support missions.
Lockheed Martin AC-130 Other profile drawing
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 twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
Beechcraft King Air 90 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft
First flight 1 January 1964
Year introduced 1964
Number produced 3100 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 162.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 40.4 m â—‰
Height 11.7 m â—‰
Length 29.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 669 km/h â—‰
Operational range 4,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,144 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW â—‰
Wing area 26.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.8 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 11.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 494 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,446 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,574 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,217 kg
Total thrust 2 x 626 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or King Air 90?
The AC-130 is faster with a maximum speed of 669 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 175 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or King Air 90?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the King Air 90's 2,446 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or King Air 90?
The AC-130 has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or King Air 90?
The AC-130 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the King Air 90's 5,352 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or King Air 90?
The AC-130 is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the King Air 90's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 entered service first in 1964, 4 years before the AC-130 which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.