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Il-78 Midas vs KC-130 Hercules

Ilyushin Il-78 Midas military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Il-78 Midas
Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-130 Hercules
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Specifications
Il-78 Midas KC-130 Hercules
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin Lockheed Martin
First flight 26 June 1983 1 January 1960
Year introduced 1984 1962
Number produced 53 units 124 units
Average unit price -- $22 million
Wing area 300.0 m² 162.0 m²
Wingspan 50.5 m 40.4 m
Height 14.8 m 11.6 m
Length 46.6 m 29.8 m
Maximum speed 850 km/h 670 km/h
Operational range 7,300 km 5,250 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m 8,534 m
Max. takeoff weight 210,000 kg 79,379 kg
Empty weight 72,000 kg 34,274 kg
Total thrust 4 x 12,020 kgf 4 x 4,474 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Il-78 Midas and the KC-130 Hercules are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Ilyushin and Lockheed Martin respectively.

Top speed is 850 km/h for the Il-78 Midas vs 670 km/h for the KC-130 Hercules. The Il-78 Midas has an operational range of 7,300 km vs 5,250 km for the KC-130 Hercules. The Il-78 Midas operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 8,534 m for the KC-130 Hercules. At 210,000 kg MTOW, the Il-78 Midas is 2.6x the KC-130 Hercules's 79,379 kg.

The Il-78 Midas has been produced in 53 units vs 124 for the KC-130 Hercules. The KC-130 Hercules first flew 23 years before the Il-78 Midas (1960 vs 1983).

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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.