AC-130 vs KC-130 Hercules
Overview
The AC-130 and the KC-130 Hercules are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Lockheed Martin respectively.
Top speed is 669 km/h for the AC-130 vs 670 km/h for the KC-130 Hercules. The AC-130 has an operational range of 4,800 km vs 5,250 km for the KC-130 Hercules. The AC-130 operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 8,534 m for the KC-130 Hercules.
The AC-130 has been produced in 21 units vs 124 for the KC-130 Hercules. Unit cost is $150M for the AC-130 vs $22M for the KC-130 Hercules. The KC-130 Hercules 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 military transport aircraft, noted for tactical refueling and cargo application, extensively operational during Cold War era and beyond. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| First flight | 1 January 1960 |
| Year introduced | 1962 |
| Number produced | 124 units |
| Average unit price | $22 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 | 33,063 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 915 kW ◉ |
| Wing area | 162.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 40.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 11.6 m ◉ |
| Length | 29.8 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 670 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,250 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 8,534 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 79,379 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 34,274 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 1,119 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the AC-130 or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of 670 km/h compared to the AC-130's 669 km/h, a difference of 1 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AC-130 or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has a longer range at 5,250 km compared to the AC-130's 4,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the AC-130 or KC-130 Hercules?
The AC-130 has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the AC-130 or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 79,379 kg compared to the AC-130's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the AC-130 or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the AC-130's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AC-130 or KC-130 Hercules?
The AC-130 is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the KC-130 Hercules at $22 million.
Which entered service first, the AC-130 or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules entered service first in 1962, 6 years before the AC-130 which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AC-130 or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 124 units compared to 21 units of the AC-130.