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C-130 Hercules vs C-27J Spartan

C-130 Hercules vs C-27J Spartan at a glance — top speed 593 vs 602 km/h, range 3,800 vs 1,759 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 32,500 kg, built 2,500 vs 117 units.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-130 Hercules
Leonardo C-27J Spartan military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇮🇹 C-27J Spartan
Specifications
C-130 Hercules C-27J Spartan
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Leonardo
First flight 23 August 1954 24 September 1999
Year introduced 1956 2006
Number produced 2500 units 117 units
Average unit price $68 million $31.7 million
Wing area 162.0 m² 82.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 28.7 m
Height 11.7 m 9.6 m
Length 29.8 m 22.7 m
Maximum speed 593 km/h 602 km/h
Operational range 3,800 km 1,759 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 9,144 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 32,500 kg
Empty weight 35,800 kg 17,500 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 2 x 3,458 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-27J Spartan is faster with a maximum speed of 602 km/h compared to the C-130 Hercules's 593 km/h, a difference of 9 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules has a longer range at 3,800 km compared to the C-27J Spartan's 1,759 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the C-27J Spartan's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 70,307 kg compared to the C-27J Spartan's 32,500 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the C-27J Spartan's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules is more expensive at approximately $68 million per unit compared to the C-27J Spartan at $32 million.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 50 years before the C-27J Spartan which entered service in 2006.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or C-27J Spartan?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,500 units compared to 117 units of the C-27J Spartan.