C-17 Globemaster III vs C-5 Galaxy

Overview

The C-17 Globemaster III and the C-5 Galaxy are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 930 km/h for the C-17 Globemaster III vs 932 km/h for the C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 Globemaster III has an operational range of 4,480 km vs 8,900 km for the C-5 Galaxy. The C-17 Globemaster III operates at altitudes up to 13,715 m compared to 10,600 m for the C-5 Galaxy.

The C-17 Globemaster III has been produced in 279 units vs 131 for the C-5 Galaxy. Unit cost is $340M for the C-17 Globemaster III vs $168M for the C-5 Galaxy. The C-5 Galaxy first flew 23 years before the C-17 Globemaster III (1968 vs 1991).

American military transport aircraft, extensively deployed in global conflict zones since the 1990s for strategic airlift missions.
McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III Transport profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 15 September 1991
Year introduced 1993
Number produced 279 units
Average unit price $340 million
American strategic airlifter, predominantly used during late Cold War, Desert Storm, and Iraq War for massive cargo transportation.
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Transport profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 30 June 1968
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 131 units
Average unit price $168 million
Wing area 353.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 51.8 m β—‰
Height 16.8 m β—‰
Length 53.0 m β—‰
Maximum speed 930 km/h β—‰
Operational range 4,480 km β—‰
Service ceiling 13,715 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 259,460 kg β—‰
Empty weight 122,000 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 4,727 kgf β—‰
Wing area 576.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 67.9 m β—‰
Height 19.8 m β—‰
Length 75.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 932 km/h β—‰
Operational range 8,900 km β—‰
Service ceiling 10,600 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 381,017 kg β—‰
Empty weight 172,365 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 4,919 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-17 Globemaster III or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-5 Galaxy is faster with a maximum speed of 932 km/h compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 930 km/h, a difference of 2 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-17 Globemaster III or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-5 Galaxy has a longer range at 8,900 km compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 4,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-17 Globemaster III or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the C-5 Galaxy's 10,600 meters (34,776 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-17 Globemaster III or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-5 Galaxy has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 381,017 kg compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 259,460 kg.
Which is larger, the C-17 Globemaster III or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-5 Galaxy is longer at 75.3 meters compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 53.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-17 Globemaster III or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the C-5 Galaxy at $168 million.
Which entered service first, the C-17 Globemaster III or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-5 Galaxy entered service first in 1971, 22 years before the C-17 Globemaster III which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-17 Globemaster III or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-17 Globemaster III has been produced in greater numbers with 279 units compared to 131 units of the C-5 Galaxy.