Lockheed C-5 Galaxy vs Lockheed C-130 Hercules

By: Rocco

Comparing the Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy vs the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules? Start with the quick spec breakdown below, then dive into the story for the bigger picture.

Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy
Military Transport Planes
Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy
ICAO: Status: Inactive Visit aircraft page
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

General

Units
Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
ICAO code
Military code
Produced
1970–Present
Price
$167.7 million (1900)
Engine
Engine type
-
Thrust
43,000 lbf · 191 kN
Avionics
Honeywell Defense Avionics Systems
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
8
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
Thrust
4 × 4,700 shp · 3,505 kW
Avionics
Lockheed C-130X AMP Avionics
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
92

Dimensions

Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy
Cabin width
19 ft 8 in 6.00 m 19 ft 8 in 6.00 m +92%
Cabin height
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m -100%
Cabin length
121 ft 5 in 37.00 m 121 ft 5 in 37.00 m +119%
Exterior length
247 ft 1 in 75.30 m 247 ft 1 in 75.30 m +119%
Tail height
Fuselage diameter
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m -100%
Wing span
222 ft 9 in 67.89 m 222 ft 9 in 67.89 m +68%
Baggage volume
0 ft 0 in 0.00 m 0 ft 0 in 0.00 m -100%
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Cabin width
10 ft 3 in 3.12 m 10 ft 3 in 3.12 m -48%
Cabin height
9 ft 0 in 2.74 m 9 ft 0 in 2.74 m
Cabin length
55 ft 5 in 16.90 m 55 ft 5 in 16.90 m -54%
Exterior length
112 ft 9 in 34.37 m 112 ft 9 in 34.37 m -54%
Tail height
38 ft 10 in 11.84 m 38 ft 10 in 11.84 m
Fuselage diameter
14 ft 2 in 4.32 m 14 ft 2 in 4.32 m
Wing span
132 ft 7 in 40.40 m 132 ft 7 in 40.40 m -40%
Baggage volume
557 ft 9 in 170.00 m 557 ft 9 in 170.00 m

Weights

Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy
Max payload
270,000 lb 122,500 kg 270,000 lb 122,500 kg +470%
Fuel capacity
51,150 gal 193,624 L 51,150 gal 193,624 L +428%
Max takeoff weight
4,083,000 lb 1,852,000 kg 4,083,000 lb 1,852,000 kg +2233%
Max landing weight
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Max payload
47,400 lb 21,500 kg 47,400 lb 21,500 kg -82%
Fuel capacity
9,680 gal 36,643 L 9,680 gal 36,643 L -81%
Max takeoff weight
175,000 lb 79,500 kg 175,000 lb 79,500 kg -96%
Max landing weight
130,000 lb 59,000 kg 130,000 lb 59,000 kg

Performance

Lockheed Martin C5 Galaxy
Max cruise speed
503 kt · 579 mph 932 km/h 503 kt 579 mph 932 km/h +38%
Approach speed
Rate of climb
12 ft/min 0 m/s 12 ft/min 0 m/s -99%
Range
2,400 nm · 2,760 mi 4,440 km 2,400 nm 2,760 mi 4,440 km +0%
Service ceiling
34,000 ft 10,400 m 34,000 ft 10,400 m +3%
Takeoff distance
8,400 ft 2,560 m 8,400 ft 2,560 m +63%
Landing distance
3,600 ft 1,100 m 3,600 ft 1,100 m +39%
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Max cruise speed
365 kt · 420 mph 676 km/h 365 kt 420 mph 676 km/h -27%
Approach speed
120 kt · 138 mph 222 km/h 120 kt 138 mph 222 km/h
Rate of climb
1,830 ft/min 9 m/s 1,830 ft/min 9 m/s +15150%
Range
2,390 nm · 2,750 mi 4,430 km 2,390 nm 2,750 mi 4,430 km 0%
Service ceiling
33,000 ft 10,100 m 33,000 ft 10,100 m -3%
Takeoff distance
5,150 ft 1,570 m 5,150 ft 1,570 m -39%
Landing distance
2,600 ft 790 m 2,600 ft 790 m -28%

Thinking about which aircraft to choose can be difficult, especially when comparing different models. One of the most common questions is who wins in the C5 galaxy vs C130 war. This is a tough question as both planes have advantages and disadvantages.

About the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

Starting with the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is an American military transport aircraft. It was first used in 1968 and has been used for its large cargo holding capacity and range. The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy has a wingspan of 222 feet and is the largest military transport plane in the world, with a cargo capacity of nearly 281,000 lbs.

Why was it developed and built?

The C-5 was designed to meet the military’s need for a larger and more capable cargo plane. By 1969, it held the record for the largest military aircraft in the world and was designed with an impressive range of over 5,000 nautical miles.

What purpose does it serve?

Primarily, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy transport heavy cargo and personnel over long distances. It has been used in various missions, including transporting troops and equipment to war zones, delivering supplies during relief efforts, and providing logistical support. As one of the most reliable transport planes in the US Air Force, it is a crucial part of military operations.

About the Lockheed C-130 Hercules

Next is the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, a four-engine turboprop military transport plane. The Lockheed C-130 Hercules first took flight in 1954 and has become the backbone of military transport aviation. Apart from the US military, more than 60 other countries use it in their air forces.

Why was it developed and built?

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules was developed to replace the piston-engine transports of the 1940s, such as the Douglas C-47 Skytrain and Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar. It was designed to have a longer range, greater cargo capacity, and better performance than its predecessors.

What purpose does it serve?

It is a versatile aircraft for various roles, including airlift, search and rescue, aerial refueling, and electronic warfare. It is also used to transport troops, supplies, and equipment and provide medical evacuation support.

How are the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and Lockheed C-130 Hercules different?

These two aircraft have become synonymous with air mobility worldwide, but there are a few key differences between them that you might not know about. Let’s examine some of the key differences between these two iconic aircraft.

Size and Capacity

The most obvious difference between these two aircraft is size. The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is one of the largest military transport aircraft, measuring 247 feet long and with a wingspan of 222 feet. It has a maximum takeoff run of 5,400 ft. Likewise, the much smaller Lockheed C-130 Hercules measures 97 feet long with a wingspan of 132 feet.

Range and Speed

Another key difference between these two aircraft is their range and speed capabilities. The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy has been designed for long-range missions and can fly up to 4,800 nautical miles without refueling.

It also has a maximum speed of 520 mph at an altitude of 41,000 feet. In comparison, the shorter-range Lockheed C-130 Hercules can fly up to 370 mph and reach an altitude of 33,000 feet.

Designs and Features

The designs of these two aircraft also differ significantly as well. The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy has been designed as an all-weather transport plane with four engines mounted on pylons above its wings. At the same time, the Lockheed C-130 Hercules uses a turboprop engine mounted directly beneath its wing for propulsion.

Both planes are equipped with modern avionics systems such as GPS navigation systems. However, they differ in complexity from one model to another depending on the specific year they were released in.

How are the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and Lockheed C-130 Hercules similar?

These planes are known for their impressive capabilities and are often seen as a symbol of American military strength. But did you know that these two planes have more in common than just their manufacturer?

  • While it may not be immediately obvious, the C-5 Galaxy and the C-130 Hercules are similar in size. This similarity allows them to share many interchangeable parts, such as tires, brakes, and landing gear.
  • Both planes also share an impressive ability to fly at high altitudes. The Galaxy can fly up to 45,000 feet, while the Hercules has been known to reach 35,000 feet – not too shabby for an aircraft designed over 50 years ago!
  • This means that both planes can easily traverse long distances without refueling midflight- which was invaluable during wartime operations.
  • Lastly, both aircraft are incredibly versatile in their uses; they can be used for cargo transport, passenger transportation, search and rescue operations, and airdrop missions – you name it!

This versatility means that these two planes have proven themselves time and time again on countless battlefields around the world.

What’s better about the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy?

The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is an impressive aircraft with robust capabilities and incredible performance.

  • Perhaps the most notable feature is its massive payload capacity, tremendous range and speed, and heavy cargo door.
  • It has the largest wingspan of any military transport plane, giving it enough lift to carry up to 270 thousand pounds at one time – equivalent to 4500 cubic feet of cargo!
  • Plus, it has been used in various missions, ranging from providing humanitarian aid to transporting US soldiers overseas.

With such power under its wings, there’s no denying that the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is truly a marvel of modern engineering.

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

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is an incredibly useful aircraft.

  • The C-130 Hercules has the incredible capability, offering extreme versatility for moving cargo, troops, or even medical evacuation missions.
  • Its exceptional short takeoff and landing capability make it ideal for use in remote areas or small runways where other aircraft cannot land.
  • From natural disaster relief efforts to supplying large amounts of food and medical aid, this state-of-the-art aircraft offers much aviation technology.

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules has earned its reputation as an incredibly reliable yet powerful tool that continues to prove invaluable today.

Conclusion

The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and the Lockheed C-130 Hercules are two of the most reliable military transport aircraft. Each plane offers impressive capabilities, from its large cargo capacity to its short takeoff and landing capabilities.

These two planes are versatile in various missions, from transporting troops overseas to providing humanitarian aid in regions of need.