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C-130 Hercules vs Fairchild Metroliner

C-130 Hercules vs Fairchild Metroliner at a glance — top speed 593 vs 533 km/h, range 3,800 vs 1,100 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 6,350 kg, built 2,700 vs 600 units.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-130 HerculesFull specs
Swearingen Fairchild Metroliner military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Fairchild MetrolinerFull specs
Specifications
C-130 Hercules Fairchild Metroliner
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Swearingen
First flight 23 August 1954 26 August 1969
Year introduced 1956 1972
Number produced 2700 units 600 units
Average unit price $68 million --
Wing area 162.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 14.1 m
Height 11.7 m 5.1 m
Length 29.8 m 12.9 m
Maximum speed 593 km/h 533 km/h
Operational range 3,800 km 1,100 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 9,449 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 6,350 kg
Empty weight 35,800 kg 3,963 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 2 x 746 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or Fairchild Metroliner?
The C-130 Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of 593 km/h compared to the Fairchild Metroliner's 533 km/h, a difference of 60 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or Fairchild Metroliner?
The C-130 Hercules has a longer range at 3,800 km compared to the Fairchild Metroliner's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules or Fairchild Metroliner?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the Fairchild Metroliner's 9,449 meters (31,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or Fairchild Metroliner?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the Fairchild Metroliner's 6,350 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or Fairchild Metroliner?
The C-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the Fairchild Metroliner's 12.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or Fairchild Metroliner?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 16 years before the Fairchild Metroliner which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or Fairchild Metroliner?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,700 units compared to 600 units of the Fairchild Metroliner.