In now slightly related news, 15th nuke today.
And AC-130 sucks compared to Apache.
This question is slightly related to your post: How long does the Chopper Gunner/Apache last? 1 minute? I heard the AC-130 packs more firepower and has more flares, but only lasts 40 seconds.
It may have a greater fire power, but the delay between each shot and contact with the earth is horribly long. Admittadely it's harder to kill, but it takes longer to get kills with it as well. Using the Apache, a good user can easily decimate a 9 man team within 5-7 seconds, and there's no delay between shots, fully automatic, and explosive rounds to boot. It's easier to kill, but a good user can kill everyone before they get their lock on.
That's why I see Apache as better.
Also, 18th nuke today.