C-5 Galaxy vs 208 Caravan

The C-5 Galaxy and the 208 Caravan are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Cessna respectively. The C-5 Galaxy reaches 932 km/h — 2.7x the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h. The C-5 Galaxy has an operational range of 8,900 km vs 1,980 km for the 208 Caravan. The C-5 Galaxy operates at altitudes up to 10,600 m compared to 7,600 m for the 208 Caravan. At 381,017 kg MTOW, the C-5 Galaxy is 96:1 the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg. The C-5 Galaxy has been produced in 131 units vs 3,000 for the 208 Caravan. Unit cost is $168M for the C-5 Galaxy vs $2.1M for the 208 Caravan. The C-5 Galaxy first flew 14 years before the 208 Caravan (1968 vs 1982).

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 🇺🇸 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
American utility aircraft, primarily deployed for passenger and cargo transportation, known for its operational history since the 1980s.
Cessna 208 Caravan Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Cessna
First flight 9 December 1982
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 3000 units
Average unit price $2.1 million
Wing area 576.0 m²
Wingspan 67.9 m
Height 19.8 m
Length 75.3 m
Maximum speed 932 km/h
Operational range 8,900 km
Service ceiling 10,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 381,017 kg
Empty weight 172,365 kg
Total thrust 4 x 19,674 kgf
Wing area 26.0 m²
Wingspan 15.9 m
Height 4.3 m
Length 12.7 m
Maximum speed 344 km/h
Operational range 1,980 km
Service ceiling 7,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,970 kg
Empty weight 2,073 kg
Total thrust 1 x 505 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-5 Galaxy or 208 Caravan?
The C-5 Galaxy is faster with a maximum speed of 932 km/h compared to the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h, a difference of 588 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-5 Galaxy or 208 Caravan?
The C-5 Galaxy has a longer range at 8,900 km compared to the 208 Caravan's 1,980 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-5 Galaxy or 208 Caravan?
The C-5 Galaxy has a higher service ceiling at 10,600 meters (34,776 ft) compared to the 208 Caravan's 7,600 meters (24,934 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-5 Galaxy or 208 Caravan?
The C-5 Galaxy has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 381,017 kg compared to the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg.
Which is larger, the C-5 Galaxy or 208 Caravan?
The C-5 Galaxy is longer at 75.3 meters compared to the 208 Caravan's 12.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-5 Galaxy or 208 Caravan?
The C-5 Galaxy is more expensive at approximately $168 million per unit compared to the 208 Caravan at $2.1 million.
Which entered service first, the C-5 Galaxy or 208 Caravan?
The C-5 Galaxy entered service first in 1971, 13 years before the 208 Caravan which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-5 Galaxy or 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan has been produced in greater numbers with 3,000 units compared to 131 units of the C-5 Galaxy.