AC-130 vs SR-20

The AC-130 and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Cirrus respectively. The AC-130 reaches 669 km/h — 2.3x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The AC-130 operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 70,307 kg MTOW, the AC-130 is 51:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. Unit cost is $150M for the AC-130 vs $0.63M for the SR-20. The AC-130 first flew 28 years before the SR-20 (1967 vs 1995).

American gunship, deployed in Vietnam and Iraq wars, known for long duration, low-level ground attack and close air support missions.
Lockheed Martin AC-130 Other profile drawing
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 civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training.
Cirrus SR-20 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Cirrus
First flight 21 March 1995
Year introduced 1999
Number produced 1459 units
Average unit price $0.6 million
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 -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW
Wing area 13.5 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.0 m
Maximum speed 287 km/h
Operational range 1,450 km
Service ceiling 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,383 kg
Empty weight 943 kg
Total thrust 1 x 149 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AC-130 or SR-20?
The AC-130 is faster with a maximum speed of 669 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 382 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or SR-20?
The AC-130 has a longer range at 4,800 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or SR-20?
The AC-130 has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or SR-20?
The AC-130 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or SR-20?
The AC-130 is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AC-130 or SR-20?
The AC-130 is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or SR-20?
The AC-130 entered service first in 1968, 31 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.