AC-130 vs E-8 Joint STARS

American gunship, deployed in Vietnam and Iraq wars, known for long duration, low-level ground attack and close air support missions.
Picture of AC-130
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircrafts
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 January 1967
Year introduced 1968
Number produced 21 units
Average unit price $150 million
American command and control aircraft, instrumental during Persian Gulf War, primarily deployed for surveillance and ground-target tracking missions.
Picture of E-8 Joint STARS
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircrafts
Manufacturer Boeing/Northrop Grumman
First flight 1 January 1994
Year introduced 1996
Number produced 17 units
Average unit price $250 million
Wing area 162.2 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m
Height 11.7 m
Length 29.8 m
Maximum speed 483 km/h
Service ceiling 9,144 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg
Empty weight None kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW
Wing area 283.4 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m
Height 13.0 m
Length 46.6 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h
Service ceiling 12,802 m
Max. takeoff weight 152,407 kg
Empty weight 77,564 kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,709 kgf

Performance Radar Chart