A310 MRTT vs KC-130 Hercules

Overview

The A310 MRTT and the KC-130 Hercules are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Lockheed Martin respectively.

Top speed is 978 km/h for the A310 MRTT vs 670 km/h for the KC-130 Hercules. The A310 MRTT has an operational range of 8,889 km vs 5,250 km for the KC-130 Hercules. The A310 MRTT operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 8,534 m for the KC-130 Hercules. At 163,998 kg MTOW, the A310 MRTT is 2.1x the KC-130 Hercules's 79,379 kg.

The A310 MRTT has been produced in 6 units vs 124 for the KC-130 Hercules. Unit cost is $108M for the A310 MRTT vs $22M for the KC-130 Hercules. The KC-130 Hercules first flew 43 years before the A310 MRTT (1960 vs 2003).

A310 MRTT

European multirole tanker transport, with significant deployments in aerial refueling and strategic airlift operations.
Airbus A310 MRTT Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 1 December 2003
Year introduced 2004
Number produced 6 units
Average unit price $108 million
→ View full A310 MRTT details

KC-130 Hercules

American military transport aircraft, noted for tactical refueling and cargo application, extensively operational during Cold War era and beyond.
Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules Other profile drawing
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
→ View full KC-130 Hercules details

A310 MRTT

Wing area 219.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 43.9 m ◉
Height 15.8 m ◉
Length 47.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 978 km/h ◉
Operational range 8,889 km ◉
Service ceiling 12,497 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 163,998 kg ◉
Empty weight 113,999 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 13,653 kgf ◉

KC-130 Hercules

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The A310 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 978 km/h compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 670 km/h, a difference of 308 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The A310 MRTT has a longer range at 8,889 km compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 5,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The A310 MRTT has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The A310 MRTT has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 163,998 kg compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 79,379 kg.
Which is larger, the A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The A310 MRTT is longer at 47.5 meters compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The A310 MRTT is more expensive at approximately $108 million per unit compared to the KC-130 Hercules at $22 million.
Which entered service first, the A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules entered service first in 1962, 42 years before the A310 MRTT which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 124 units compared to 6 units of the A310 MRTT.

Related Comparisons

A310 MRTT vs PA-32 Cherokee Six A310 MRTT vs King Air 90 A310 MRTT vs DHC-2 Beaver A310 MRTT vs 747 A310 MRTT vs SR-20 A310 MRTT vs S-2 Tracker
2025 GlobalMilitary.net • About • Privacy • Terms • Dark theme