C130 vs A400M

By: Rocco

Comparing the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules vs the Airbus A400M? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

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Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Military Transport Planes
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
ICAO: C130 Status: Active Military: C-130J Visit aircraft page
Airbus A400M
Military Propellor Planes
Airbus A400M
ICAO: A400 Status: Active Visit aircraft page

General

Units
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
ICAO code
C130
Military code
C-130J
Produced
1996–Present
Price
$75.5 million (2017)
Engine
4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100D3
Engine type
Turboprop
Power
4 × 4,700 shp · 3,505 kW -57% (total)
Avionics
Lockheed C-130X AMP Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
92
Airbus A400M
Manufacturer
Airbus
ICAO code
A400
Military code
—
Produced
2009–Present
Price
$152 million (1900)
Engine
4 × EuroProp International TP400-D6
Engine type
Turboprop
Power
4 × 11,000 shp · 8,203 kW +134% (total)
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
116

Dimensions

Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Cabin width
10 ft 3 in 3.12 m 10 ft 3 in 3.12 m -22%
Cabin height
9 ft 0 in 2.74 m 9 ft 0 in 2.74 m -29%
Cabin length
55 ft 5 in 16.90 m 55 ft 5 in 16.90 m -5%
Exterior length
112 ft 9 in 34.37 m 112 ft 9 in 34.37 m -22%
Tail height
38 ft 10 in 11.84 m 38 ft 10 in 11.84 m -19%
Fuselage diameter
14 ft 2 in 4.32 m 14 ft 2 in 4.32 m +5%
Wing span
132 ft 7 in 40.40 m 132 ft 7 in 40.40 m -5%
Baggage volume
557 ft 9 in 170.00 m 557 ft 9 in 170.00 m -50%
Airbus A400M
Cabin width
13 ft 1 in 4.00 m 13 ft 1 in 4.00 m +28%
Cabin height
12 ft 8 in 3.85 m 12 ft 8 in 3.85 m +41%
Cabin length
58 ft 1 in 17.71 m 58 ft 1 in 17.71 m +5%
Exterior length
143 ft 8 in 43.80 m 143 ft 8 in 43.80 m +27%
Tail height
48 ft 3 in 14.70 m 48 ft 3 in 14.70 m +24%
Fuselage diameter
13 ft 5 in 4.10 m 13 ft 5 in 4.10 m -5%
Wing span
139 ft 1 in 42.40 m 139 ft 1 in 42.40 m +5%
Baggage volume
1122 ft 1 in 342.00 m 1122 ft 1 in 342.00 m +101%

Weights

Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Max payload
47,400 lb 21,500 kg 47,400 lb 21,500 kg -42%
Fuel capacity
9,680 gal 36,643 L 9,680 gal 36,643 L -42%
Max takeoff weight
175,000 lb 79,500 kg 175,000 lb 79,500 kg -44%
Max landing weight
130,000 lb 59,000 kg 130,000 lb 59,000 kg -52%
Airbus A400M
Max payload
81,500 lb 37,000 kg 81,500 lb 37,000 kg +72%
Fuel capacity
16,611 gal 62,879 L 16,611 gal 62,879 L +72%
Max takeoff weight
311,000 lb 141,000 kg 311,000 lb 141,000 kg +78%
Max landing weight
271,000 lb 123,000 kg 271,000 lb 123,000 kg +109%

Performance

Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Max cruise speed
365 kt · 420 mph 676 km/h 365 kt 420 mph 676 km/h -13%
Approach speed
120 kt · 138 mph 222 km/h 120 kt 138 mph 222 km/h -8%
Rate of climb
1,830 ft/min 9 m/s 1,830 ft/min 9 m/s -39%
Range
2,390 nm · 2,750 mi 4,430 km 2,390 nm 2,750 mi 4,430 km -50%
Service ceiling
33,000 ft 10,100 m 33,000 ft 10,100 m -18%
Takeoff distance
5,150 ft 1,570 m 5,150 ft 1,570 m +61%
Landing distance
2,600 ft 790 m 2,600 ft 790 m +3%
Airbus A400M
Max cruise speed
421 kt · 484 mph 780 km/h 421 kt 484 mph 780 km/h +15%
Approach speed
130 kt · 150 mph 241 km/h 130 kt 150 mph 241 km/h +8%
Rate of climb
3,000 ft/min 15 m/s 3,000 ft/min 15 m/s +64%
Range
4,800 nm · 5,520 mi 8,890 km 4,800 nm 5,520 mi 8,890 km +101%
Service ceiling
40,000 ft 12,200 m 40,000 ft 12,200 m +21%
Takeoff distance
3,200 ft 980 m 3,200 ft 980 m -38%
Landing distance
2,550 ft 770 m 2,550 ft 770 m -3%

Airbus A400M comparisons

No other comparisons yet.

Incredible history; both aircraft have been around for a long time. This article will stack C130 vs A400M and find out the winner. Let’s jump in!

About the Lockheed C-130 Hercules

Starting with the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, this heavy-lift military transport aircraft is a four-engine turboprop plane designed and took its first flight in December 1956. 

Why was it developed and built?

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules was developed to fulfill a U.S. Air Force requirement for an aircraft that could transport troops, cargo, and medical evacuation missions in any weather and at any time of day.

What purpose does it serve?

Used by the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules has served in combat operations worldwide. Today, it serves numerous roles across all branches, including airlift support, airdrop missions, search and rescue (SAR), cargo transport, electronic surveillance, and more.

About the Airbus A400M Atlas

Next is the Airbus A400M Atlas, a four-engine turboprop plane designed and developed by EADS (now Airbus). This military transport aircraft was unveiled on 11 December 2009.

Why was it developed and built?

The Airbus A400M Atlas was developed due to collaborative efforts between several NATO nations to replace aging fleets of military transport aircraft.

What purpose does it serve?

Remembering its collaborative roots, the Airbus A400M Atlas is used by many nations to transport troops and cargo worldwide. The aircraft also serves various roles, including air-to-air refueling, electronic warfare, medical evacuation, and search and rescue operations.

How are the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Airbus A400M Atlas different?

Let’s look at the main differences between these two formidable aircraft.

Size

The first difference between the two planes is size. This means that Lockheed C-130 Hercules has less cargo space than its counterpart.

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is smaller than the Airbus A400M Atlas. While the Lockheed C-130 Hercules measures 97 feet in length with a wingspan of 132 feet, the A400M Atlas measures 148 feet with a wingspan of 139 feet. 

Speed

Another key difference between the two planes is speed. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules can reach speeds up to 336 mph, while the Airbus A400M Atlas can reach speeds up to 485 mph. This means the Airbus A400M is faster than its competitor by about 150 mph.

Range

Regarding range, it’s no surprise that the larger plane has an advantage over its smaller counterpart. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules has an impressive range of 2,360 nautical miles, which allows it to stay airborne for longer periods without refueling compared to its rival —the Airbus A400M Atlas—which has a range of only 1,800 nautical miles.

Capacity

The fourth big difference between these planes is the capacity for passengers and cargo. 

The bigger plane—the Lockheed C-130 Hercules—can carry up to 5 crew members, whereas its competitor—the Airbus A400M Atlas—can only carry three crew members.

You guessed it in cargo capacity; once again, the smaller aircraft takes this category with an 81,600 lb payload compared to just 42,000 lb on the bigger plane. Here’s a quick guide to why turboprops are still in use.

How are the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Airbus A400M Atlas Similar?

They are both long-range tactical transport aircraft that have made their mark on the airplane industry.

  • The two aircraft look similar but vary in size, design, and speed capabilities.
  • Both aircraft are powered by four turboprop engines that provide the power necessary to take off, land and maneuver in rugged terrain.
  • Both planes can carry heavy payloads, with the Lockheed C-130 Hercules able to carry up to 42,000 lbs and the Airbus A400M Atlas capable of carrying 81,600 lb of cargo.
  • The two planes are being used by multiple countries for various purposes, from airlift support to search and rescue operations.
  • Both airplanes, however, are designed for short take-offs and landings from rough terrain, making them an excellent choice for military applications.

They are two highly effective military transport aircraft that have proven themselves in various roles. Likewise, they offer different capabilities but have become essential military tools.

What’s better about the Lockheed C-130 Hercules?

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an air transport aircraft that has long been renowned for its performance, reliability, and operational versatility.

  • With its four turboprop engines, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules delivers a high degree of agility, allowing for operations in tight quarters and extreme maneuverability to accomplish its mission.
  • For over sixty years, it has served militaries and countries around the globe in various missions.
  • Its tremendous payload capacity allows it to operate effectively with ground forces and support humanitarian efforts in areas affected by natural disasters.
  • In addition, its ability to take off and land on unbefitting surfaces such as sand, gravel, or ice makes it a valuable asset for those who work in remote regions.

The legendary durability of this veteran aircraft ensures that it will continue to be used by militaries and governments worldwide even far into the future.

What’s better about the Airbus A400M Atlas?

The Airbus A400M Atlas is an impressive aircraft with a lot to offer.

  • Its capabilities are renowned for its strong airlift performance in even the most difficult situations, thanks to its cutting-edge avionics and powerful engines.
  • It can also fly at much higher altitudes than other notable heavy lift options, giving it greater range and flexibility under challenging conditions.
  • Its unique loading capability also allows for quick reloading in the field and with minimal time between missions.

Beyond just transport, the Atlas also has the potential for medical evacuation and more because of its versatile design and durability. Overall, the Airbus A400M Atlas is one of the best aircraft designed for mission success.

Conclusion

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Airbus A400M Atlas are two of the most iconic military aircraft in history. Finally, both have proven reliable, effective, and versatile in various mission profiles.