Il-78 Midas vs KC-130 Hercules
| Soviet aerial refueling tanker, developed in the 1980s, widely involved in strategic, long-range force projection missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Ilyushin |
| First flight | 26 June 1983 |
| Year introduced | 1984 |
| Number produced | 53 units |
| Average unit price | $-- million |
| American military transport aircraft, noted for tactical refueling and cargo application, extensively operational during Cold War era and beyond. | |
| 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 | 300.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.5 m â—‰ |
| Height | 14.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 46.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 850 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,300 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 210,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 72,000 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 12,020 kgf â—‰ |
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| Wing area | 162.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 40.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 11.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 29.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 670 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 5,250 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 8,534 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 79,379 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 34,274 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 4,474 kW â—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Photo of Il-78 Midas by Konstantin Tyurpeko.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Il-78 Midas or KC-130 Hercules?
The Il-78 Midas is faster with a maximum speed of 850 km/h compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 670 km/h, a difference of 180 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-78 Midas or KC-130 Hercules?
The Il-78 Midas has a longer range at 7,300 km compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 5,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-78 Midas or KC-130 Hercules?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-78 Midas or KC-130 Hercules?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 79,379 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-78 Midas or KC-130 Hercules?
The Il-78 Midas is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-78 Midas or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules entered service first in 1962, 22 years before the Il-78 Midas which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-78 Midas or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 124 units compared to 53 units of the Il-78 Midas.