DHC-2 Beaver vs KC-130 Hercules

The DHC-2 Beaver and the KC-130 Hercules are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Lockheed Martin respectively. The KC-130 Hercules reaches 670 km/h — 2.6x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 5,250 km for the KC-130 Hercules. The KC-130 Hercules operates at altitudes up to 8,534 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 124 for the KC-130 Hercules. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $22M for the KC-130 Hercules. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 13 years before the KC-130 Hercules (1947 vs 1960).

Canadian utility aircraft, renowned for bush flying since the mid-20th century, widely deployed for civilian and military operations.
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 16 August 1947
Year introduced 1948
Number produced 1657 units
Average unit price $400K
American military transport aircraft, noted for tactical refueling and cargo application, extensively operational during Cold War era and beyond.
Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 January 1960
Year introduced 1962
Number produced 124 units
Average unit price $22 million
Wing area 23.0 m²
Wingspan 15.0 m
Height 2.7 m
Length 9.2 m
Maximum speed 254 km/h
Operational range 732 km
Service ceiling 5,486 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight 1,361 kg
Total thrust 1 x 336 kW
Wing area 162.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m
Height 11.6 m
Length 29.8 m
Maximum speed 670 km/h
Operational range 5,250 km
Service ceiling 8,534 m
Max. takeoff weight 79,379 kg
Empty weight 34,274 kg
Total thrust 4 x 4,474 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of 670 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 416 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has a longer range at 5,250 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 8,534 meters (27,998 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 79,379 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules is more expensive at approximately $22 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-130 Hercules?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 14 years before the KC-130 Hercules which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-130 Hercules?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 124 units of the KC-130 Hercules.