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AC-130 vs PA-32 Cherokee Six

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 PA-32 Cherokee Six
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AC-130 PA-32 Cherokee Six
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Piper
First flight 1 January 1967 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1968 1965
Number produced 21 units 7842 units
Average unit price $150 million --
Wing area 162.2 m² 15.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 9.0 m
Height 11.7 m 2.2 m
Length 29.8 m 7.1 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 228 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 1,361 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 4,359 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 975 kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 545 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 1 x 112 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AC-130 and the PA-32 Cherokee Six are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Piper respectively.

The AC-130 reaches 669 km/h — 2.9:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 1,361 km for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The AC-130 operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 70,307 kg MTOW, the AC-130 is 72:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.

The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 7,842 for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 7 years before the AC-130 (1960 vs 1967).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The AC-130 is faster with a maximum speed of 669 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 441 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The AC-130 has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The AC-130 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The AC-130 is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 3 years before the AC-130 which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.