Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules vs Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III are both transport & tanker, compared here on public specifications. The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III leads on range (4,482 vs 3,334 km).
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Full data
Full spec sheet
 Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
Wins 3/9 | Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Wins 6/9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Max speed (km/h) | 644 km/h | 830 km/h ✓ |
| Cruise speed (km/h) | 592 km/h | 830 km/h ✓ |
| Range (km) | 3,334 km | 4,482 km ✓ |
| Service ceiling (m) | 8,615 m | 13,716 m ✓ |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 29.79 m | 53 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 34,400 kg | 128,100 kg |
| Combat weight (kg) | 74,400 kg | 265,350 kg |
| Crew | 3 | 3 |
| Cargo payload (kg) | 19,051 kg | 77,519 kg ✓ |
| Troop capacity | 92 | 102 ✓ |
| Propulsion | ||
| Engine power (hp) | 4,591 hp | N/A |
| Thrust (kN) | N/A | 180 kN |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $106,000,000 ✓ | $340,000,000 |
| Units built | 500 ✓ | 279 |
| Operator countries | 25 ✓ | 8 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III? +
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 830 km/h.
Which has the longer range? +
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has the longest range at 4,482 km.
Which is cheaper? +
The Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules has the lower public unit-cost figure at 106,000,000 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Which has the higher cargo payload? +
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has the higher cargo payload at 77,519 kg.
Which has the higher cruise speed? +
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has the higher cruise speed at 830 km/h.
Which has the higher service ceiling? +
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has the higher service ceiling at 13,716 m.
Is the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules better than the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III? +
On the public specs we track, the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III leads on 5 of 6 headline metrics, see the full spec sheet for the metric-by-metric breakdown.
Where does this comparison data come from? +
Every figure in the table is sourced from public manufacturer pages, defense-ministry releases and reference publications, and is verifiable on each system's spec page. WeaponSpecs does not accept vendor placement.
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