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KC-130 Hercules vs KC-46 Pegasus

KC-130 Hercules vs KC-46 Pegasus at a glance — top speed 670 vs 914 km/h, range 5,250 vs 11,830 km, max takeoff weight 79,379 vs 188,240 kg, built 124 vs 108 units.

Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-130 Hercules
Boeing KC-46 Pegasus military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-46 Pegasus
Specifications
KC-130 Hercules KC-46 Pegasus
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Boeing
First flight 1 January 1960 28 December 2014
Year introduced 1962 2019
Number produced 124 units 108 units
Average unit price $22 million $287 million
Wing area 162.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 48.1 m
Height 11.6 m 15.9 m
Length 29.8 m 50.5 m
Maximum speed 670 km/h 914 km/h
Operational range 5,250 km 11,830 km
Service ceiling 8,534 m 12,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 79,379 kg 188,240 kg
Empty weight 34,274 kg 82,377 kg
Total thrust 4 x 4,474 kW 2 x 280 kN
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus is faster with a maximum speed of 914 km/h compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 670 km/h, a difference of 244 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has a longer range at 11,830 km compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 5,250 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has a higher service ceiling at 12,200 meters (40,026 ft) compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 188,240 kg compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 79,379 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus is longer at 50.5 meters compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus is more expensive at approximately $287 million per unit compared to the KC-130 Hercules at $22 million.
Which entered service first, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-130 Hercules entered service first in 1962, 57 years before the KC-46 Pegasus which entered service in 2019.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 124 units compared to 108 units of the KC-46 Pegasus.