KC-130 Hercules vs PA-32 Cherokee Six

The KC-130 Hercules and the PA-32 Cherokee Six are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Piper respectively. The KC-130 Hercules reaches 670 km/h — 2.9x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The KC-130 Hercules has an operational range of 5,250 km vs 1,361 km for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The KC-130 Hercules operates at altitudes up to 8,534 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 79,379 kg MTOW, the KC-130 Hercules is 81:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg. The KC-130 Hercules has been produced in 124 units vs 7,842 for the PA-32 Cherokee Six.

American military transport aircraft, noted for tactical refueling and cargo application, extensively operational during Cold War era and beyond.
Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules Other profile drawing
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
American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services.
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 7842 units
Average unit price --
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 4,474 kW
Wing area 15.0 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m
Height 2.2 m
Length 7.1 m
Maximum speed 228 km/h
Operational range 1,361 km
Service ceiling 4,359 m
Max. takeoff weight 975 kg
Empty weight 545 kg
Total thrust 1 x 112 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the KC-130 Hercules or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The KC-130 Hercules is faster with a maximum speed of 670 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 442 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-130 Hercules or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The KC-130 Hercules has a longer range at 5,250 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-130 Hercules or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The KC-130 Hercules has a higher service ceiling at 8,534 meters (27,998 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-130 Hercules or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The KC-130 Hercules has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 79,379 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-130 Hercules or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The KC-130 Hercules is longer at 29.8 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the KC-130 Hercules or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The KC-130 Hercules entered service first in 1962, 3 years before the PA-32 Cherokee Six which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-130 Hercules or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 124 units of the KC-130 Hercules.