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C-130 Hercules vs KC-130 Hercules

C-130 Hercules vs KC-130 Hercules at a glance — top speed 593 vs 670 km/h, range 3,800 vs 5,250 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 79,379 kg, built 2,500 vs 124 units.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-130 Hercules
Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-130 Hercules
Specifications
C-130 Hercules KC-130 Hercules
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Lockheed Martin
First flight 23 August 1954 1 January 1960
Year introduced 1956 1962
Number produced 2500 units 124 units
Average unit price $68 million $22 million
Wing area 162.0 m² 162.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 40.4 m
Height 11.7 m 11.6 m
Length 29.8 m 29.8 m
Maximum speed 593 km/h 670 km/h
Operational range 3,800 km 5,250 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 8,534 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 79,379 kg
Empty weight 35,800 kg 34,274 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 4 x 4,474 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of 670 km/h compared to the C-130 Hercules's 593 km/h, a difference of 77 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has a longer range at 5,250 km compared to the C-130 Hercules's 3,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules or KC-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 79,379 kg compared to the C-130 Hercules's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the C-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-130 Hercules or KC-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules is more expensive at approximately $68 million per unit compared to the KC-130 Hercules at $22 million.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or KC-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 6 years before the KC-130 Hercules which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or KC-130 Hercules?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,500 units compared to 124 units of the KC-130 Hercules.