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C-130 Hercules vs DHC-5 Buffalo

C-130 Hercules vs DHC-5 Buffalo at a glance — top speed 593 vs 467 km/h, range 3,800 vs 1,100 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 22,317 kg, built 2,700 vs 122 units.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-130 HerculesFull specs
De Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalo military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇦 DHC-5 BuffaloFull specs
Specifications
C-130 Hercules DHC-5 Buffalo
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed De Havilland Canada
First flight 23 August 1954 9 April 1964
Year introduced 1956 1965
Number produced 2700 units 122 units
Average unit price $68 million $25 million
Wing area 162.0 m² 88.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 29.0 m
Height 11.7 m 8.8 m
Length 29.8 m 24.0 m
Maximum speed 593 km/h 467 km/h
Operational range 3,800 km 1,100 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 9,449 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 22,317 kg
Empty weight 35,800 kg 11,412 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 2 x 2,336 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The C-130 Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of 593 km/h compared to the DHC-5 Buffalo's 467 km/h, a difference of 126 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The C-130 Hercules has a longer range at 3,800 km compared to the DHC-5 Buffalo's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the DHC-5 Buffalo's 9,449 meters (31,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the DHC-5 Buffalo's 22,317 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The C-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the DHC-5 Buffalo's 24.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-130 Hercules or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The C-130 Hercules is more expensive at approximately $68 million per unit compared to the DHC-5 Buffalo at $25 million.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 9 years before the DHC-5 Buffalo which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or DHC-5 Buffalo?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,700 units compared to 122 units of the DHC-5 Buffalo.