C-130 Hercules vs C-17 Globemaster III

The C-130 Hercules and the C-17 Globemaster III are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and McDonnell Douglas respectively. Top speed is 593 km/h for the C-130 Hercules vs 930 km/h for the C-17 Globemaster III. The C-130 Hercules has an operational range of 3,800 km vs 4,480 km for the C-17 Globemaster III. The C-17 Globemaster III operates at altitudes up to 13,715 m compared to 10,058 m for the C-130 Hercules. At 259,460 kg MTOW, the C-17 Globemaster III is 3.7x the C-130 Hercules's 70,307 kg. The C-130 Hercules has been produced in 2,500 units vs 279 for the C-17 Globemaster III. Unit cost is $68M for the C-130 Hercules vs $340M for the C-17 Globemaster III. The C-130 Hercules first flew 37 years before the C-17 Globemaster III (1954 vs 1991).

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
American military transport aircraft, extensively deployed in global conflict zones since the 1990s for strategic airlift missions.
McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 15 September 1991
Year introduced 1993
Number produced 279 units
Average unit price $340 million
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—‰
Wing area 353.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 51.8 m â—‰
Height 16.8 m â—‰
Length 53.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 930 km/h â—‰
Operational range 4,480 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,715 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 259,460 kg â—‰
Empty weight 122,000 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 4,727 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the C-130 Hercules's 593 km/h, a difference of 337 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a longer range at 4,480 km compared to the C-130 Hercules's 3,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules 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 C-130 Hercules's 10,058 meters (32,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the C-130 Hercules's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the C-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the C-130 Hercules at $68 million.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 37 years before the C-17 Globemaster III which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,500 units compared to 279 units of the C-17 Globemaster III.