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

C-5 Galaxy vs Commander 500

Lockheed C-5 Galaxy military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-5 Galaxy
Commander 500 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Commander 500
Change comparison vs
Specifications
C-5 Galaxy Commander 500
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Aero Commander
First flight 30 June 1968 23 April 1948
Year introduced 1971 1952
Number produced 131 units 2902 units
Average unit price $168 million $260K
Wing area 576.0 m² 24.0 m²
Wingspan 67.9 m 15.0 m
Height 19.8 m 4.4 m
Length 75.3 m 11.2 m
Maximum speed 932 km/h 346 km/h
Operational range 8,900 km 1,735 km
Service ceiling 10,600 m 5,913 m
Max. takeoff weight 381,017 kg 3,062 kg
Empty weight 172,365 kg 2,102 kg
Total thrust 4 x 4,919 kgf 2 x 108 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The C-5 Galaxy and the Commander 500 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Aero Commander respectively.

The C-5 Galaxy reaches 932 km/h — 2.7x the Commander 500's 346 km/h. The C-5 Galaxy has an operational range of 8,900 km vs 1,735 km for the Commander 500. The C-5 Galaxy operates at altitudes up to 10,600 m compared to 5,913 m for the Commander 500. At 381,017 kg MTOW, the C-5 Galaxy is 124:1 the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.

The C-5 Galaxy has been produced in 131 units vs 2,902 for the Commander 500. Unit cost is $168M for the C-5 Galaxy vs $0.26M for the Commander 500. The Commander 500 first flew 20 years before the C-5 Galaxy (1948 vs 1968).

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 208 Caravan

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-5 Galaxy or Commander 500?
The C-5 Galaxy is faster with a maximum speed of 932 km/h compared to the Commander 500's 346 km/h, a difference of 586 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-5 Galaxy or Commander 500?
The C-5 Galaxy has a longer range at 8,900 km compared to the Commander 500's 1,735 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-5 Galaxy or Commander 500?
The C-5 Galaxy has a higher service ceiling at 10,600 meters (34,776 ft) compared to the Commander 500's 5,913 meters (19,399 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-5 Galaxy or Commander 500?
The C-5 Galaxy has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 381,017 kg compared to the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.
Which is larger, the C-5 Galaxy or Commander 500?
The C-5 Galaxy is longer at 75.3 meters compared to the Commander 500's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-5 Galaxy or Commander 500?
The C-5 Galaxy is more expensive at approximately $168 million per unit compared to the Commander 500 at $0.3 million.
Which entered service first, the C-5 Galaxy or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 entered service first in 1952, 19 years before the C-5 Galaxy which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-5 Galaxy or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,902 units compared to 131 units of the C-5 Galaxy.