GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

C-5 Galaxy vs 208 Caravan

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-5 Galaxy
Cessna 208 Caravan military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 208 Caravan
Change comparison vs
Specifications
C-5 Galaxy 208 Caravan
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Cessna
First flight 30 June 1968 9 December 1982
Year introduced 1971 1984
Number produced 131 units 3000 units
Average unit price $168 million $2.1 million
Wing area 576.0 m² 26.0 m²
Wingspan 67.9 m 15.9 m
Height 19.8 m 4.3 m
Length 75.3 m 12.7 m
Maximum speed 932 km/h 344 km/h
Operational range 8,900 km 1,980 km
Service ceiling 10,600 m 7,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 381,017 kg 3,970 kg
Empty weight 172,365 kg 2,073 kg
Total thrust 4 x 4,919 kgf 1 x 505 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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).

Related Comparisons
C-5 Galaxy vs An-225 Cossack C-5 Galaxy vs Boeing 737 C-5 Galaxy vs 210 Centurion C-5 Galaxy vs PA-34 Seneca C-5 Galaxy vs PA-31 Navajo C-5 Galaxy vs Commander 500

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.