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Airbus A330 MRTT vs KC-130 Hercules

Airbus A330 MRTT vs KC-130 Hercules at a glance — top speed 880 vs 670 km/h, range 14,800 vs 5,250 km, max takeoff weight 233,000 vs 79,379 kg, built 66 vs 124 units.

Airbus A330 MRTT military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇫🇷 Airbus A330 MRTTFull specs
Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-130 HerculesFull specs
Specifications
Airbus A330 MRTT KC-130 Hercules
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus Lockheed Martin
First flight 30 September 2016 1 January 1960
Year introduced 2011 1961
Number produced 66 units 124 units
Average unit price $275 million $22 million
Wing area 362.0 m² 162.0 m²
Wingspan 60.3 m 40.4 m
Height 17.4 m 11.6 m
Length 58.8 m 29.8 m
Maximum speed 880 km/h 670 km/h
Operational range 14,800 km 5,250 km
Service ceiling 13,000 m 8,534 m
Max. takeoff weight 233,000 kg 79,379 kg
Empty weight 125,000 kg 34,274 kg
Total thrust 2 x 320 kN 4 x 4,474 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A330 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 880 km/h compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 670 km/h, a difference of 210 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A330 MRTT has a longer range at 14,800 km compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 5,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A330 MRTT has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A330 MRTT has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 233,000 kg compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 79,379 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A330 MRTT is longer at 58.8 meters compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A330 MRTT is more expensive at approximately $275 million per unit compared to the KC-130 Hercules at $22 million.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules entered service first in 1961, 50 years before the Airbus A330 MRTT which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 124 units compared to 66 units of the Airbus A330 MRTT.