C-130 Hercules vs C-27J Spartan

Overview

The C-130 Hercules and the C-27J Spartan are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Leonardo respectively.

Top speed is 593 km/h for the C-130 Hercules vs 602 km/h for the C-27J Spartan. The C-130 Hercules has an operational range of 3,800 km vs 1,759 km for the C-27J Spartan. The C-130 Hercules operates at altitudes up to 10,058 m compared to 9,144 m for the C-27J Spartan. At 70,307 kg MTOW, the C-130 Hercules is 2.2x the C-27J Spartan's 32,500 kg.

The C-130 Hercules has been produced in 2,500 units vs 117 for the C-27J Spartan. Unit cost is $68M for the C-130 Hercules vs $31.7M for the C-27J Spartan. The C-130 Hercules first flew 45 years before the C-27J Spartan (1954 vs 1999).

C-130 Hercules

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
→ View full C-130 Hercules details

C-27J Spartan

Italian military transport aircraft, developed in the late 20th century, used globally for tactical airlift and specialized missions.
Leonardo C-27J Spartan Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Leonardo
First flight 24 September 1999
Year introduced 2006
Number produced 117 units
Average unit price $31.7 million
→ View full C-27J Spartan details

C-130 Hercules

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—‰

C-27J Spartan

Wing area 82.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 28.7 m â—‰
Height 9.6 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 602 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,759 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,144 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 32,500 kg â—‰
Empty weight 17,500 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,729 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-27J Spartan is faster with a maximum speed of 602 km/h compared to the C-130 Hercules's 593 km/h, a difference of 9 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules has a longer range at 3,800 km compared to the C-27J Spartan's 1,759 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the C-27J Spartan's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the C-27J Spartan's 32,500 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the C-27J Spartan's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules is more expensive at approximately $68 million per unit compared to the C-27J Spartan at $32 million.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 50 years before the C-27J Spartan which entered service in 2006.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,500 units compared to 117 units of the C-27J Spartan.

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