It’s the age-old question: which is better, the 747 vs C5 Galaxy? Both are large aircraft with a lot to offer. In this blog post, we’ll take a detailed look at both aircraft, compare them side-by-side, and discuss their differences.
| Aircraft: | Boeing 747-8 Freighter | Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy |
|---|---|---|
| Photo: |
 |
 |
| Country: | United States | United States |
| Manufactured: | from: 2008 to: Present | from: 1970 to: Present |
| ICAO: | B748 | - |
| Price: | $419.2 million | $167.7 million |
| Avionics: | Rockwell Collins | Honeywell Defense Avionics Systems |
| Engine: | 4x General Electric GEnx-2B67 | 4 × General Electric TF39 |
| Engine Type: | Turbofan | - |
| Power: | 66,500 pound-force | 43,000 pound-force |
| Max Cruise Speed: |
530 knots 982 Km/h |
503 knots 932 Km/h |
| Approach Speed (Vref): | 145 knots | - |
| Travel Range: |
4,390 Nautical Miles
8,130 Kilometers |
2,400 Nautical Miles
4,445 Kilometers |
| Fuel Economy: |
0.08 nautical mile / gallon 0.039 kilometres / litre |
0.05 nautical mile / gallon 0.024 kilometres / litre |
| Service Ceiling: | 43,000 feet | 34,000 feet |
| Rate of Climb: |
2500 feet / minute 12.70metre / second |
- |
| Take Off Distance: |
3292 metre 10,800.39 feet |
2560 metre 8,398.85 feet |
| Landing Distance: |
2134 metre 7,001.23 feet |
1097 metre 3,599.04 feet |
| Max Take Off Weight: |
447,696 Kg 986,991 lbs |
1,851,852 Kg 4,082,593 lbs |
| Max Landing Weight: |
346,091 Kg 762,992 lbs |
- |
| Max Payload: |
132,630 Kg 292,396 lbs |
122,472 Kg 270,002 lbs |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: |
59,734 gallon 226,117 litre |
51,150 gallon 193,623 litre |
| Baggage Volume: |
859 m3 30,335 ft3 |
- |
| Seats - Economy: | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Seats - Business Class: | - | - |
| Seats - First Class: | - | - |
| Cabin Height: |
2.39 metre 7.84 feet |
- |
| Cabin Width: |
6.1 metre 20.01 feet |
6 metre 19.68 feet |
| Cabin Length: |
63.25 metre 207.51 feet |
37 metre 121.39 feet |
| Exterior Length: |
76.24 metre 250.13 feet |
75.3 metre 247.04 feet |
| Tail Height: | 19.56 metre - 64.17 feet | - |
| Fuselage Diameter: |
6.5 metre 21.33 feet |
- |
| Wing Span / Rotor Diameter: |
68.4 metre 224.41 feet |
67.89 metre 222.73 feet |
| Wing Tips: | Raked Wingtips | No Winglets |
| More Info: | Boeing 747-8 Freighter | Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy |
|
Data presented is for entertainment purposes and should not be used operationally.
|
Other Boeing 747-8 Freighter comparisons:
Other Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy comparisons:
About the Boeing 747
Remember the iconic Boeing 747? It was the first wide-body commercial aircraft and has been around since 1968. It is a long-range airliner that can accommodate about 660 passengers.
Why was it developed and built?
The answer is simple: the Boeing 747 was designed to meet a need for an efficient way to transport passengers across long distances. It can fly up to 7,730 nautical miles, and its large capacity makes it ideal for long-haul flights.
What purpose does it serve?
The Boeing 747 is a versatile aircraft. Airlines use them to transport cargo and passengers and complete charter trips. Many airlines also use the Boeing 747 for executive travel.
About the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a military transport aircraft used by the United States Air Force and other allied countries. It was developed in the 1960s and has been in operation since 1970. It’s among the largest planes, capable of carrying up to 281,000 lb. of cargo or passengers.
Why was it developed and built?
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy was developed to transport large cargo and personnel worldwide. It can fly up to 8,900 km, making it an ideal choice for global operations.
What purpose does it serve?
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is primarily used for military transport purposes. It’s the only plane used by the US armed forces to carry a range of cargo, including tanks and helicopters, for quite a time. It can also transport troops and personnel across long distances quickly and efficiently.
How are the Boeing 747 and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy different?
The Boeing 747 and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy are large aircraft with a lot to offer, but some key differences exist. Here’s a breakdown of the main characteristics:
Size
The Boeing 747 is significantly larger than the C5; it has 250 feet in length and has a wingspan of 224 feet, while the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy has a length of 247 feet and a wingspan of 222 feet. This makes the Boeing 747 easier to spot from a distance and allows it to land at larger airports that accommodate its size.
Range
The Boeing 747 has a greater range than the C5, which means it can fly for longer periods without refueling. This makes it ideal for long-distance flights such as transcontinental or transatlantic journeys.
Speed
The Boeing 747 is faster than the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, with a cruising speed of 570 mph compared to the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy’s 993 km/h. This makes the Boeing 747 a good choice for urgent trips that require extra speed.
Capacity
The Boeing 747 can accommodate more passengers than the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy; it typically carries up to 660 passengers, while the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy has a capacity of 7. This makes the Boeing 747 a better choice for transporting large groups of people in one go.
How are the Boeing 747 and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy similar?
Both have four engines, a double-deck design, and are used for long-range flights. While there are some significant differences, they also share similarities between these two planes. Let’s take a closer look.
- Both planes have a similar range, making them ideal for long-distance travel worldwide.
- Also, both are equipped with four engines. This helps to ensure they can remain operational even if one of the engines fails.
- Likewise, both aircraft feature a double-deck design. This allows airlines to add extra seating in the upper deck and accommodate more passengers on each flight.
- Don’t forget; both planes can also transport large amounts of cargo. This makes them ideal for military operations and commercial freight and charter flights.
The Boeing 747 and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy are the world’s most potent and versatile planes.
What’s better about the Boeing 747?
Let’s explore some of the many reasons why the Boeing 747 is such a popular choice for long-haul flights.
- Impressive safety record: With a wide body and multiple emergency exits, this aircraft is designed with safety in mind. And in an emergency, passengers can be evacuated quickly and efficiently.
- Reliability: This aircraft can fly through all weather conditions, making it ideal for long-haul flights. It has a large fuel capacity to stay in the air for extended periods.
- Spaciousness: With room for more than 600 passengers and their luggage, this plane is perfect for those who want to travel comfortably. There’s also plenty of space for crew members to move about and provide top-notch service.
What’s better about the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy?
The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is an impressive aircraft, and there are several reasons why it is considered one of the best military transport planes in the world.
- First, its size allows it to carry more cargo than any other plane in its class.
- Second, its four engines give it plenty of power for takeoffs and landings from short airstrips.
- Third, its long range means it can travel globally without refueling.
- And fourth, its pressurized cabin allows troops to fly long distances without worrying about ear pain or dehydration.
Its size, power, range, and pressurized cabin make it ideal for transporting troops and supplies long distances. If you’re looking for a plane that can handle anything you throw at it, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is worth considering.
Conclusion
At day end, it depends on what you need from an aircraft. If you’re looking for a long-range plane that can travel globally without refueling, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is your best bet. But if you want a plane with plenty of passenger space and a long-haul range, the Boeing 747 is an excellent choice. As you can see, both planes are impressive in their own right and have a lot to offer.
About the Author
