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AC-130 vs MH-53J Pave Low III

AC-130 vs MH-53J Pave Low III at a glance — top speed 669 vs 310 km/h, range 4,800 vs 1,100 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 20,865 kg, built 21 vs 41 units.

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130Full specs
Sikorsky MH-53J Pave Low III military helicopters side profile drawing
🇺🇸 MH-53J Pave Low IIIFull specs
Specifications
AC-130 MH-53J Pave Low III
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Sikorsky
First flight 1 January 1967 --
Year introduced 1968 1988
Number produced 21 units 41 units
Average unit price $150 million --
Wing area 162.2 m² 378.4 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 22.0 m
Height 11.7 m 7.6 m
Length 29.8 m 27.0 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 310 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 1,100 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 4,900 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 20,865 kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 14,515 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 2 x 3,230 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or MH-53J Pave Low III?
The AC-130 is faster with a maximum speed of 669 km/h compared to the MH-53J Pave Low III's 310 km/h, a difference of 359 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or MH-53J Pave Low III?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the MH-53J Pave Low III's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or MH-53J Pave Low III?
The AC-130 has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the MH-53J Pave Low III's 4,900 meters (16,076 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or MH-53J Pave Low III?
The AC-130 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the MH-53J Pave Low III's 20,865 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or MH-53J Pave Low III?
The AC-130 is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the MH-53J Pave Low III's 27.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or MH-53J Pave Low III?
The AC-130 entered service first in 1968, 20 years before the MH-53J Pave Low III which entered service in 1988.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or MH-53J Pave Low III?
The MH-53J Pave Low III has been produced in greater numbers with 41 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.