GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

C-130 Hercules vs McDonnell Douglas DC-10

C-130 Hercules vs McDonnell Douglas DC-10 at a glance — top speed 593 vs 1,052 km/h, range 3,800 vs 9,600 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 263,083 kg, built 2,500 vs 386 units.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-130 Hercules
McDonnell Douglas DC-10 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 McDonnell Douglas DC-10
Specifications
C-130 Hercules McDonnell Douglas DC-10
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed McDonnell Douglas
First flight 23 August 1954 29 August 1970
Year introduced 1956 1971
Number produced 2500 units 386 units
Average unit price $68 million $20 million
Wing area 162.0 m² 368.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 50.4 m
Height 11.7 m 17.7 m
Length 29.8 m 55.5 m
Maximum speed 593 km/h 1052 km/h
Operational range 3,800 km 9,600 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 12,802 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 263,083 kg
Empty weight 35,800 kg 121,198 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 3 x 23,814 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
C-130 Hercules vs An-124 Condor C-130 Hercules vs An-26 Curl C-130 Hercules vs C-160 Transall C-130 Hercules vs An-2 Colt C-130 Hercules vs Boeing 737 C-130 Hercules vs Douglas DC-3

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 is faster with a maximum speed of 1,052 km/h compared to the C-130 Hercules's 593 km/h, a difference of 459 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 has a longer range at 9,600 km compared to the C-130 Hercules's 3,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 has a higher service ceiling at 12,802 meters (42,001 ft) compared to the C-130 Hercules's 10,058 meters (32,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 263,083 kg compared to the C-130 Hercules's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 is longer at 55.5 meters compared to the C-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-130 Hercules or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The C-130 Hercules is more expensive at approximately $68 million per unit compared to the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 at $20 million.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 15 years before the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,500 units compared to 386 units of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10.