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C-130 Hercules vs E-6 Mercury TACAMO

C-130 Hercules vs E-6 Mercury TACAMO at a glance — top speed 593 vs 966 km/h, range 3,800 vs 12,000 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 155,128 kg, built 2,700 vs 16 units.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-130 HerculesFull specs
Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-6 Mercury TACAMOFull specs
Specifications
C-130 Hercules E-6 Mercury TACAMO
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Boeing
First flight 23 August 1954 19 February 1987
Year introduced 1956 1989
Number produced 2700 units 16 units
Average unit price $68 million $141 million
Wing area 162.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 45.2 m
Height 11.7 m 12.9 m
Length 29.8 m 45.8 m
Maximum speed 593 km/h 966 km/h
Operational range 3,800 km 12,000 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 12,192 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 155,128 kg
Empty weight 35,800 kg 78,378 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 4 x 11,213 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the C-130 Hercules's 593 km/h, a difference of 373 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the C-130 Hercules's 3,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the C-130 Hercules's 10,058 meters (32,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the C-130 Hercules's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the C-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-130 Hercules or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is more expensive at approximately $141 million per unit compared to the C-130 Hercules at $68 million.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 33 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO which entered service in 1989.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,700 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.