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C-130 Hercules vs 421 Golden Eagle

Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft side profile drawing
Cessna 421 Golden Eagle military transport aircraft side profile drawing
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Specifications
C-130 Hercules 421 Golden Eagle
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Cessna
First flight 23 August 1954 14 October 1965
Year introduced 1956 1968
Number produced 2500 units 1916 units
Average unit price $68 million $500K
Wing area 162.0 m² 20.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 12.5 m
Height 11.7 m 3.5 m
Length 29.8 m 11.1 m
Maximum speed 593 km/h 474 km/h
Operational range 3,800 km 2,754 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 9,205 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 3,379 kg
Empty weight 35,800 kg 2,042 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 2 x 280 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The C-130 Hercules and the 421 Golden Eagle are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Cessna respectively.

Top speed is 593 km/h for the C-130 Hercules vs 474 km/h for the 421 Golden Eagle. The C-130 Hercules has an operational range of 3,800 km vs 2,754 km for the 421 Golden Eagle. The C-130 Hercules operates at altitudes up to 10,058 m compared to 9,205 m for the 421 Golden Eagle. At 70,307 kg MTOW, the C-130 Hercules is 21:1 the 421 Golden Eagle's 3,379 kg.

The C-130 Hercules has been produced in 2,500 units vs 1,916 for the 421 Golden Eagle. Unit cost is $68M for the C-130 Hercules vs $0.5M for the 421 Golden Eagle. The C-130 Hercules first flew 11 years before the 421 Golden Eagle (1954 vs 1965).

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or 421 Golden Eagle?
The C-130 Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of 593 km/h compared to the 421 Golden Eagle's 474 km/h, a difference of 119 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or 421 Golden Eagle?
The C-130 Hercules has a longer range at 3,800 km compared to the 421 Golden Eagle's 2,754 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules or 421 Golden Eagle?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the 421 Golden Eagle's 9,205 meters (30,200 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or 421 Golden Eagle?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the 421 Golden Eagle's 3,379 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or 421 Golden Eagle?
The C-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the 421 Golden Eagle's 11.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-130 Hercules or 421 Golden Eagle?
The C-130 Hercules is more expensive at approximately $68 million per unit compared to the 421 Golden Eagle at $0.5 million.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or 421 Golden Eagle?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 12 years before the 421 Golden Eagle which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or 421 Golden Eagle?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,500 units compared to 1,916 units of the 421 Golden Eagle.