KC-130 Hercules vs KC-46 Pegasus
The KC-130 Hercules is a Military Special Mission Aircraft built by Lockheed Martin, while the KC-46 Pegasus is a Military Transport Aircraft by Boeing. Top speed is 670 km/h for the KC-130 Hercules vs 914 km/h for the KC-46 Pegasus. The KC-130 Hercules has an operational range of 5,250 km vs 11,830 km for the KC-46 Pegasus. The KC-46 Pegasus operates at altitudes up to 12,200 m compared to 8,534 m for the KC-130 Hercules. At 188,240 kg MTOW, the KC-46 Pegasus is 2.4x the KC-130 Hercules's 79,379 kg. The KC-130 Hercules has been produced in 124 units vs 108 for the KC-46 Pegasus. Unit cost is $22M for the KC-130 Hercules vs $287M for the KC-46 Pegasus. The KC-130 Hercules first flew 54 years before the KC-46 Pegasus (1960 vs 2014).
| 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 |
| American military aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft, developed from a commercial jet airliner in the early 21st century, utilized for global air mobility and tanker operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 28 December 2014 |
| Year introduced | 2019 |
| Number produced | 108 units |
| Average unit price | $287 million |
| Wing area | 162.0 m² |
| Wingspan | 40.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 11.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 29.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 670 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 5,250 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 8,534 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 79,379 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 34,274 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 4,474 kW â—‰ |
| Wing area | -- m² |
| Wingspan | 48.1 m â—‰ |
| Height | 15.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 50.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 914 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 11,830 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 12,200 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 188,240 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 82,377 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 280 kN â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
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.