C130 vs C-17 Globemaster III

By: Rocco · January 12, 2023

Comparing the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules vs the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III? 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 Visit aircraft page
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Military Transport Planes
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
ICAO: C17 Visit aircraft page

General

Units
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
ICAO code
C130
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
Avionics
Lockheed C-130X AMP Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
92
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Manufacturer
Boeing
ICAO code
C17
Produced
1991–2015
Price
$218 million (2007)
Engine
4 × Pratt & Whitney F117-PW-100
Engine type
Turbofan
Power
4 × 40,440 lbf · 180 kN
Avionics
BAE Systems Avionics , AlliedSignal AN/APS-133(V) weather and mapping radar
Wing tips
Canted winglets
Seats
102

Dimensions

Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Cabin width
10 ft 3 in 3.12 m 10 ft 3 in 3.12 m -43%
Cabin height
9 ft 0 in 2.74 m 9 ft 0 in 2.74 m -39%
Cabin length
55 ft 5 in 16.90 m 55 ft 5 in 16.90 m -37%
Exterior length
112 ft 9 in 34.37 m 112 ft 9 in 34.37 m -35%
Tail height
38 ft 10 in 11.84 m 38 ft 10 in 11.84 m -29%
Fuselage diameter
14 ft 2 in 4.32 m 14 ft 2 in 4.32 m -37%
Wing span
132 ft 7 in 40.40 m 132 ft 7 in 40.40 m -22%
Baggage volume
557 ft 9 in 170.00 m 557 ft 9 in 170.00 m -71%
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Cabin width
18 ft 0 in 5.49 m 18 ft 0 in 5.49 m +76%
Cabin height
14 ft 9 in 4.50 m 14 ft 9 in 4.50 m +64%
Cabin length
88 ft 0 in 26.82 m 88 ft 0 in 26.82 m +59%
Exterior length
173 ft 11 in 53.00 m 173 ft 11 in 53.00 m +54%
Tail height
55 ft 1 in 16.79 m 55 ft 1 in 16.79 m +42%
Fuselage diameter
22 ft 6 in 6.86 m 22 ft 6 in 6.86 m +59%
Wing span
169 ft 9 in 51.75 m 169 ft 9 in 51.75 m +28%
Baggage volume
1941 ft 7 in 591.80 m 1941 ft 7 in 591.80 m +248%

Weights

Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Max payload
47,400 lb 21,500 kg 47,400 lb 21,500 kg -72%
Fuel capacity
9,680 gal 36,643 L 9,680 gal 36,643 L -73%
Max takeoff weight
175,000 lb 79,500 kg 175,000 lb 79,500 kg -70%
Max landing weight
130,000 lb 59,000 kg 130,000 lb 59,000 kg -71%
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Max payload
171,000 lb 77,500 kg 171,000 lb 77,500 kg +261%
Fuel capacity
35,546 gal 134,556 L 35,546 gal 134,556 L +267%
Max takeoff weight
585,000 lb 265,500 kg 585,000 lb 265,500 kg +234%
Max landing weight
447,000 lb 202,500 kg 447,000 lb 202,500 kg +244%

Performance

Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Max cruise speed
365 kt · 420 mph 676 km/h 365 kt 420 mph 676 km/h -19%
Approach speed
120 kt · 138 mph 222 km/h 120 kt 138 mph 222 km/h +4%
Rate of climb
1,830 ft/min 9 m/s 1,830 ft/min 9 m/s +22%
Range
2,390 nm · 2,750 mi 4,430 km 2,390 nm 2,750 mi 4,430 km -1%
Service ceiling
33,000 ft 10,100 m 33,000 ft 10,100 m -27%
Takeoff distance
5,150 ft 1,570 m 5,150 ft 1,570 m -32%
Landing distance
2,600 ft 790 m 2,600 ft 790 m -13%
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Max cruise speed
450 kt · 518 mph 833 km/h 450 kt 518 mph 833 km/h +23%
Approach speed
115 kt · 132 mph 213 km/h 115 kt 132 mph 213 km/h -4%
Rate of climb
1,500 ft/min 8 m/s 1,500 ft/min 8 m/s -18%
Range
2,420 nm · 2,780 mi 4,480 km 2,420 nm 2,780 mi 4,480 km +1%
Service ceiling
45,000 ft 13,700 m 45,000 ft 13,700 m +36%
Takeoff distance
7,600 ft 2,320 m 7,600 ft 2,320 m +47%
Landing distance
3,000 ft 910 m 3,000 ft 910 m +15%

Boeing C-17 Globemaster III comparisons

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between the C130 vs C17, two of the most iconic planes in military history?

This article will explore the similarities and differences between the two aircraft, so you can better understand why each has been a popular choice for military transport.

About the Lockheed C-130 Hercules

Let’s start by exploring the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. It has been in service since the 1950s and is one of the world’s most widely used military transport aircraft. Also, its versatile design makes it ideal for various purposes.

Why was it developed and built?

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules was designed for tactical airlift support, transporting personnel and supplies over short distances. Its versatile design allows for troop and cargo transport and aerial refueling.

What purpose does it serve?

Starting as a tactical transport aircraft, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules is capable of short takeoffs and landings on rough terrain, making it ideal for transporting troops and supplies over short distances. With time, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules has been modified for various roles, such as medical evacuation, aerial refueling, search and rescue, and special operations. 

About the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III

The C-17 Globemaster III is the newest and largest military airlift aircraft in service. Developed by Boeing, it has been in service since the mid-1990s.

Why was it developed and built?

The C-17 Globemaster III was built to fulfill the US Air Force’s need for a large cargo transport aircraft that could operate from austere runways and other harsh environments. It was also built to replace the aging fleet of C-141s, which had been in service since the 1960s.

What purpose does it serve?

Mostly used for strategic airlift missions, the C-17 Globemaster III can transport large payloads over long distances. It can also be used for humanitarian aid, medical evacuation, and other special operations.

How are the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III different?

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III have been used by militaries worldwide for decades, but how do they compare? Let’s look at five key differences between these two remarkable aircraft.

Size

Size is the first difference between these two aircraft. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules has a wingspan of 132 feet, while the C-17 Globemaster III has a wingspan of 169 feet. This means the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is larger than the Lockheed C-130 Hercules by almost 40 feet!

Range

Regarding range, there is also a significant difference between these two aircraft. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules has a maximum range of 2,360 miles, while the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has a maximum range of 2,780 miles! This increased range allows militaries worldwide to conduct long-range missions easily.

Speed

Both aircraft are capable of speed, but there is still a noticeable difference between them in terms of performance capabilities. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules can reach up to 370 mph, while the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III can reach speeds up to 520 mph – making it one of the fastest military aircraft!

Engines

Nest in line is the number of engines they use for power. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is powered by four turboprop engines, while the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has three jet engines. This makes it more powerful and efficient than its predecessor!

How are the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III Similar?

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, two of the most well-known aircraft in the world, have a few notable similarities.

  • Both are four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft with exceptional capacities for short takeoff and landing on various terrains.
  • They also feature versatile cargo configurations that enable them to perform tactical airlift missions to transport troops and freight.
  • Furthermore, these multirole aircraft can provide humanitarian aid and deploy parachute drops – a key capability many other cargo planes do not have.

In essence, this remarkable pair of planes combine cargo loading options with disaster relief capabilities and incredible performance power, making them modern marvels of mobility.

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

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules has earned its place as an aviation workhorse, beloved worldwide for its extraordinary durability and reliability. This powerful aircraft has many advantages to offer.

  • The Hercules boasts four engines delivering a maximum power of 3,420 kW – enough to lift off much more quickly than comparable planes.
  • Additionally, it ensures more straightforward airlifting operations due to its built-in loading ramp and opening rear hatch so that cargo can be loaded or unloaded in almost any terrain.
  • Its payload capacity is hefty, too — at around 42,000 kb, it can carry up to nine tons of cargo over a range of up to 4000 miles without refueling.

It’s no wonder they are used in missions by militaries and governments across the globe!

What’s better about the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III?

The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has an impressive range and crew capability that put other cargo planes to shame.

  • This large aircraft can haul up to 170,900 lb of cargo, fly for over 4,500 miles nonstop, and is capable of landing on short runways.
  • In addition to its amazing range, it is designed with long-term durability to outlast other cargo planes in tough environments with minimal maintenance and servicing.
  • Its most outstanding feature is its ability to take off and land on unprepared airfields, including sand, dirt, and snow-covered areas.
  • It also has advanced real-time battlefield simulations for flight maneuvering training exercises.

With its superior controls, auto flight systems, wing shape design, and powerful engines, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III truly sets itself apart from other cargo planes.

Conclusion

Both planes have been instrumental in serving militaries around the world for years. As we have seen, there are some clear differences between them. It gives each one advantage and disadvantages compared to one another depending on their purpose or mission requirements.