ATR-72 vs C-130 Hercules

The ATR-72 and the C-130 Hercules are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by ATR and Lockheed respectively. Top speed is 565 km/h for the ATR-72 vs 593 km/h for the C-130 Hercules. The ATR-72 has an operational range of 1,404 km vs 3,800 km for the C-130 Hercules. The C-130 Hercules operates at altitudes up to 10,058 m compared to 7,620 m for the ATR-72. At 70,307 kg MTOW, the C-130 Hercules is 3.1x the ATR-72's 22,500 kg. The ATR-72 has been produced in 1,000 units vs 2,500 for the C-130 Hercules. Unit cost is $26M for the ATR-72 vs $68M for the C-130 Hercules. The C-130 Hercules first flew 34 years before the ATR-72 (1954 vs 1988).

French-Italian regional turboprop, notable for its extensive use in civil and commercial aviation since the late 1980s.
ATR ATR-72 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer ATR
First flight 27 October 1988
Year introduced 1989
Number produced 1000 units
Average unit price $26 million
American military transport aircraft, known for significant roles in Vietnam War and Desert Storm, extensively used for various cargo missions.
Lockheed C-130 Hercules Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 23 August 1954
Year introduced 1956
Number produced 2500 units
Average unit price $68 million
Wing area 61.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 27.1 m â—‰
Height 7.7 m â—‰
Length 27.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 565 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,404 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 22,500 kg â—‰
Empty weight 12,950 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,026 kW â—‰
Wing area 162.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 40.4 m â—‰
Height 11.7 m â—‰
Length 29.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 593 km/h â—‰
Operational range 3,800 km â—‰
Service ceiling 10,058 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg â—‰
Empty weight 35,800 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 915 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the ATR-72 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of 593 km/h compared to the ATR-72's 565 km/h, a difference of 28 km/h.
Which has longer range, the ATR-72 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules has a longer range at 3,800 km compared to the ATR-72's 1,404 km.
Which can fly higher, the ATR-72 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the ATR-72's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the ATR-72 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the ATR-72's 22,500 kg.
Which is larger, the ATR-72 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the ATR-72's 27.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the ATR-72 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules is more expensive at approximately $68 million per unit compared to the ATR-72 at $26 million.
Which entered service first, the ATR-72 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 33 years before the ATR-72 which entered service in 1989.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the ATR-72 or C-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,500 units compared to 1,000 units of the ATR-72.