C-5 Galaxy vs VC-25 "Air Force One"

The C-5 Galaxy and the VC-25 "Air Force One" are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 932 km/h for the C-5 Galaxy vs 1,014 km/h for the VC-25 "Air Force One". The C-5 Galaxy has an operational range of 8,900 km vs 12,600 km for the VC-25 "Air Force One". The VC-25 "Air Force One" operates at altitudes up to 13,746 m compared to 10,600 m for the C-5 Galaxy. The C-5 Galaxy has been produced in 131 units vs 2 for the VC-25 "Air Force One". Unit cost is $168M for the C-5 Galaxy vs $325M for the VC-25 "Air Force One". The C-5 Galaxy first flew 21 years before the VC-25 "Air Force One" (1968 vs 1989).

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 presidential transport aircraft, deployed since the mid-1980s, known for brass-bound luxury and sophisticated communications.
Boeing VC-25 "Air Force One" Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 1 September 1989
Year introduced 1990
Number produced 2 units
Average unit price $325 million
Wing area 576.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 67.9 m â—‰
Height 19.8 m â—‰
Length 75.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 932 km/h â—‰
Operational range 8,900 km â—‰
Service ceiling 10,600 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 381,017 kg â—‰
Empty weight 172,365 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 4,919 kgf â—‰
Wing area 511.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 59.6 m â—‰
Height 19.3 m â—‰
Length 70.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1014 km/h â—‰
Operational range 12,600 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,746 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 377,842 kg â—‰
Empty weight 173,726 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 6,430 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-5 Galaxy or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The VC-25 "Air Force One" is faster with a maximum speed of 1,014 km/h compared to the C-5 Galaxy's 932 km/h, a difference of 82 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-5 Galaxy or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The VC-25 "Air Force One" has a longer range at 12,600 km compared to the C-5 Galaxy's 8,900 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-5 Galaxy or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The VC-25 "Air Force One" has a higher service ceiling at 13,746 meters (45,098 ft) compared to the C-5 Galaxy's 10,600 meters (34,776 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-5 Galaxy or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The C-5 Galaxy has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 381,017 kg compared to the VC-25 "Air Force One"'s 377,842 kg.
Which is larger, the C-5 Galaxy or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The C-5 Galaxy is longer at 75.3 meters compared to the VC-25 "Air Force One"'s 70.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-5 Galaxy or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The VC-25 "Air Force One" is more expensive at approximately $325 million per unit compared to the C-5 Galaxy at $168 million.
Which entered service first, the C-5 Galaxy or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The C-5 Galaxy entered service first in 1971, 19 years before the VC-25 "Air Force One" which entered service in 1990.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-5 Galaxy or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The C-5 Galaxy has been produced in greater numbers with 131 units compared to 2 units of the VC-25 "Air Force One".