Il-78 Midas vs KC-130 Hercules
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).
| 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 | -- |
| American military transport aircraft, noted for tactical refueling and cargo application, extensively operational during Cold War era and beyond. | |
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| 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 ◉ |
| Height | 14.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 46.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 850 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 7,300 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 210,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 72,000 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 3,005 kgf ◉ |
| 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 1,119 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.