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AC-130 vs S-2 Tracker

Lockheed Martin AC-130 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 AC-130
Grumman S-2 Tracker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-2 Tracker
Change comparison vs
Specifications
AC-130 S-2 Tracker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Grumman
First flight 1 January 1967 4 November 1952
Year introduced 1968 1954
Number produced 21 units 1284 units
Average unit price $150 million --
Wing area 162.2 m² 45.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 22.2 m
Height 11.7 m 5.4 m
Length 29.8 m 13.3 m
Maximum speed 669 km/h 450 km/h
Operational range 4,800 km 2,172 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m 6,706 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 11,860 kg
Empty weight 33,063 kg 8,308 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 2 x 1,137 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The AC-130 and the S-2 Tracker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Grumman respectively.

Top speed is 669 km/h for the AC-130 vs 450 km/h for the S-2 Tracker. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 2,172 km for the S-2 Tracker. The AC-130 operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 6,706 m for the S-2 Tracker. At 70,307 kg MTOW, the AC-130 is 5.9:1 the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.

The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 1,284 for the S-2 Tracker. The S-2 Tracker first flew 15 years before the AC-130 (1952 vs 1967).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or S-2 Tracker?
The AC-130 is faster with a maximum speed of 669 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h, a difference of 219 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or S-2 Tracker?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or S-2 Tracker?
The AC-130 has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or S-2 Tracker?
The AC-130 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or S-2 Tracker?
The AC-130 is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the S-2 Tracker's 13.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 14 years before the AC-130 which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.