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Airbus A310 MRTT vs KC-130 Hercules

Airbus A310 MRTT military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 Airbus A310 MRTT
Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-130 Hercules
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Airbus A310 MRTT KC-130 Hercules
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 December 2003 1 January 1960
Year introduced 2004 1962
Number produced 6 units 124 units
Average unit price $108 million $22 million
Wing area 219.0 m² 162.0 m²
Wingspan 43.9 m 40.4 m
Height 15.8 m 11.6 m
Length 47.5 m 29.8 m
Maximum speed 978 km/h 670 km/h
Operational range 8,889 km 5,250 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m 8,534 m
Max. takeoff weight 163,998 kg 79,379 kg
Empty weight 113,999 kg 34,274 kg
Total thrust 2 x 27,306 kgf 4 x 4,474 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Airbus A310 MRTT and the KC-130 Hercules are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Lockheed Martin respectively.

Top speed is 978 km/h for the Airbus A310 MRTT vs 670 km/h for the KC-130 Hercules. The Airbus A310 MRTT has an operational range of 8,889 km vs 5,250 km for the KC-130 Hercules. The Airbus A310 MRTT operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 8,534 m for the KC-130 Hercules. At 163,998 kg MTOW, the Airbus A310 MRTT is 2.1:1 the KC-130 Hercules's 79,379 kg.

The Airbus A310 MRTT has been produced in 6 units vs 124 for the KC-130 Hercules. Unit cost is $108M for the Airbus A310 MRTT vs $22M for the KC-130 Hercules. The KC-130 Hercules first flew 43 years before the Airbus A310 MRTT (1960 vs 2003).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A310 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 978 km/h compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 670 km/h, a difference of 308 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A310 MRTT has a longer range at 8,889 km compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 5,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A310 MRTT has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A310 MRTT has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 163,998 kg compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 79,379 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A310 MRTT is longer at 47.5 meters compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The Airbus A310 MRTT is more expensive at approximately $108 million per unit compared to the KC-130 Hercules at $22 million.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules entered service first in 1962, 42 years before the Airbus A310 MRTT which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KC-130 Hercules?
The KC-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 124 units compared to 6 units of the Airbus A310 MRTT.