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AC-130 vs King Air 90

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
Beechcraft King Air 90 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 King Air 90
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Specifications
AC-130 King Air 90
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Beechcraft
First flight 1 January 1967 1 January 1964
Year introduced 1968 1964
Number produced 21 units 3100 units
Average unit price $150 million --
Wing area 162.2 m² 26.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 13.8 m
Height 11.7 m 4.7 m
Length 29.8 m 11.9 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 494 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 2,446 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 7,574 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 5,352 kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 3,217 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 2 x 626 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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).

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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.