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C-130 Hercules vs Commander 500

C-130 Hercules vs Commander 500 at a glance — top speed 593 vs 346 km/h, range 3,800 vs 1,735 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 3,062 kg, built 2,500 vs 2,902 units.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-130 Hercules
Commander 500 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Commander 500
Specifications
C-130 Hercules Commander 500
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Aero Commander
First flight 23 August 1954 23 April 1948
Year introduced 1956 1952
Number produced 2500 units 2902 units
Average unit price $68 million $260K
Wing area 162.0 m² 24.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 15.0 m
Height 11.7 m 4.4 m
Length 29.8 m 11.2 m
Maximum speed 593 km/h 346 km/h
Operational range 3,800 km 1,735 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 5,913 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 3,062 kg
Empty weight 35,800 kg 2,102 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 2 x 216 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or Commander 500?
The C-130 Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of 593 km/h compared to the Commander 500's 346 km/h, a difference of 247 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or Commander 500?
The C-130 Hercules has a longer range at 3,800 km compared to the Commander 500's 1,735 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules or Commander 500?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the Commander 500's 5,913 meters (19,399 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or Commander 500?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or Commander 500?
The C-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the Commander 500's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-130 Hercules or Commander 500?
The C-130 Hercules is more expensive at approximately $68 million per unit compared to the Commander 500 at $0.3 million.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 entered service first in 1952, 4 years before the C-130 Hercules which entered service in 1956.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,902 units compared to 2,500 units of the C-130 Hercules.