AC-130 vs PA-32 Cherokee Six
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 — 2.9x 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).
| American gunship, deployed in Vietnam and Iraq wars, known for long duration, low-level ground attack and close air support missions. | |
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| 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 light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Piper |
| First flight | 14 January 1960 |
| Year introduced | 1965 |
| Number produced | 7842 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| Wing area | 162.2 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 40.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 11.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 29.8 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 669 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 4,800 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 9,144 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 70,307 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 33,063 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 915 kW ◉ |
| Wing area | 15.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 9.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.2 m ◉ |
| Length | 7.1 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 228 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,361 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,359 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 975 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 545 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 112 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.