Boeing C-17 Globemaster III vs Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy
Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy are both transport & tanker, compared here on public specifications. The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy leads on range (12,800 vs 4,482 km).
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Full data
Full spec sheet
 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III
Wins 4/8 | Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy
Wins 4/8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | ||
| Max speed (km/h) | 830 km/h | 917 km/h ✓ |
| Cruise speed (km/h) | 830 km/h | 830 km/h |
| Range (km) | 4,482 km | 12,800 km ✓ |
| Service ceiling (m) | 13,716 m ✓ | 10,600 m |
| Physical | ||
| Length (m) | 53 m | 75.3 m |
| Empty weight (kg) | 128,100 kg | 188,146 kg |
| Combat weight (kg) | 265,350 kg | 381,024 kg |
| Crew | 3 | 7 |
| Cargo payload (kg) | 77,519 kg | 129,274 kg ✓ |
| Troop capacity | 102 ✓ | 73 |
| Propulsion | ||
| Thrust (kN) | 180 kN | 227 kN ✓ |
| Program | ||
| Unit cost (USD) | $340,000,000 | N/A |
| Units built | 279 ✓ | 52 |
| Operator countries | 8 ✓ | 1 |
Frequently asked questions
Which is faster, Boeing C-17 Globemaster III and Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy? +
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy is the fastest of the 2 compared here, at 917 km/h.
Which has the longer range? +
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy has the longest range at 12,800 km.
Which is cheaper? +
The Boeing C-17 Globemaster III has the lower public unit-cost figure at 340,000,000 USD. Treat this as directional, defense pricing varies by contract and configuration.
Which has the higher cargo payload? +
The Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy has the higher cargo payload at 129,274 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 Boeing C-17 Globemaster III better than the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy? +
On the public specs we track, the Lockheed Martin C-5M Super Galaxy leads on 3 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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