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Airbus A330 vs C-17 Globemaster III

Airbus A330 vs C-17 Globemaster III at a glance — top speed 871 vs 930 km/h, range 13,400 vs 4,480 km, max takeoff weight 242,000 vs 259,460 kg, built 1,577 vs 279 units.

Airbus A330 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 Airbus A330
McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-17 Globemaster III
Specifications
Airbus A330 C-17 Globemaster III
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus McDonnell Douglas
First flight 2 November 1992 15 September 1991
Year introduced 1994 1993
Number produced 1577 units 279 units
Average unit price $260 million $340 million
Wing area 362.0 m² 353.0 m²
Wingspan 60.3 m 51.8 m
Height 17.4 m 16.8 m
Length 59.0 m 53.0 m
Maximum speed 871 km/h 930 km/h
Operational range 13,400 km 4,480 km
Service ceiling 13,000 m 13,715 m
Max. takeoff weight 242,000 kg 259,460 kg
Empty weight 119,600 kg 122,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 32,659 kgf 4 x 18,909 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A330 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the Airbus A330's 871 km/h, a difference of 59 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A330 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The Airbus A330 has a longer range at 13,400 km compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 4,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A330 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the Airbus A330's 13,000 meters (42,650 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A330 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the Airbus A330's 242,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A330 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The Airbus A330 is longer at 59.0 meters compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 53.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Airbus A330 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the Airbus A330 at $260 million.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A330 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III entered service first in 1993, 1 years before the Airbus A330 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A330 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The Airbus A330 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,577 units compared to 279 units of the C-17 Globemaster III.