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Airbus Beluga vs. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

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Beluga

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C-5

First Flight
19941968
Length
56 m184 ft
75 m247 ft
Wingspan
44 m147 ft
67 m222 ft
Wing Area
260 m²2,798 ft²
580 m²6,243 ft²
Fuselage Width
7 m25 ft
5 m18 ft
Height
17 m56 ft
19 m65 ft
Cargo Capacity
47 t103,000 lbs
127 t281,000 lbs
Max Takeoff Weight
155 t341,700 lbs
381 t840,000 lbs
Number of Engines
24
Engine Manufacturer & Model
General Electric CF6General Electric CF36 (F138)
Max Thrust Per Engine
257 kN58,000 lbf
230 kN51,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
514 kN116,000 lbf
920 kN204,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
62,000 l16,380 gal
193,600 l51,149 gal
Range
1,650 km891 nm
4,260 km2,300 nm
Cruise Speed
864 km/h537 mph
830 km/h516 mph

What Are the Differences Between the Airbus Beluga and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

Airbus Beluga vs Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Size Comparison

  • With a length of 75.30 meters, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is 19.10 meters longer than the Airbus Beluga.
  • The Airbus Beluga and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy have heights of 17.30 meters and 19.80 meters respectively - making the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy 2.50 meters taller.

Airbus Beluga vs Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Cargo Capacity

  • The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy can carry about 127 tons of cargo, while the Airbus Beluga can hold about 47 tons . Head to head, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy has approximately 80 tons more of cargo capacity.

About the Airbus Beluga

The Airbus Beluga, officially designated as the A300-600ST Super Transporter, is a highly specialized wide-body aircraft developed by Airbus. It is uniquely designed for transporting oversized cargo, particularly aircraft parts, earning its name due to its resemblance to the Beluga whale.

Production History: The Beluga's development was initiated as a replacement for the Super Guppies, which were used for transporting large Airbus components. Construction of the first Beluga began in September 1992, and it made its maiden flight in September 1994. The aircraft was a result of Airbus's decision to develop an air-based solution for transporting major components, as surface transportation methods were deemed time-consuming and unreliable. Five Beluga aircraft were eventually built, with modifications performed in Toulouse using components from the Airbus assembly line.

Design Features: Based on the Airbus A300, the Beluga features substantial design modifications to accommodate large cargo. The upper part of its fuselage forms a distinctive horseshoe-shaped structure, allowing for the transport of outsized items. The Beluga's freight compartment measures 7.4 meters in diameter and 37.7 meters in length, with a maximum payload capacity of 47 tonnes. It is powered by General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofan engines, providing enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessors.

Operational History: The Beluga fleet primarily carries Airbus components ready for final assembly across Europe, operating 60 times per week. Operated by Airbus Transport International, a subsidiary of Airbus Group, the fleet also offers charter flight services for third-party clients. The Beluga has been utilized for various special loads, including space station components and large artwork.

Similar Freighter Models: The Airbus Beluga occupies a unique niche in the freighter market. While there are other large cargo aircraft like the Antonov An-124 or Boeing's Dreamlifter, the Beluga is specifically tailored for Airbus' internal logistical needs, focusing on the transport of aircraft parts. In January of 2020, Airbus introduced the BelugaXL - an oversized A330 meant to replace the original Beluga fleet.

About the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is a large military transport aircraft developed by the Lockheed Corporation, now Lockheed Martin. The C-5 distinguishes itself by its sheer size and payload capacity, designed to transport a wide range of military equipment, including oversized vehicles and machinery.

Production History: Development of the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy began in the 1960s to replace the Douglas C-133 Cargomaster and to complement the Lockheed C-141 Starlifters. The United States Army desired a transport aircraft that could carry a wide array of outsized equipment. After a rigorous selection process, Lockheed's design, characterized by a T-tail and a unique cockpit position above the cargo area, was chosen in 1965. The first C-5A Galaxy was rolled out in 1968. The program, however, faced several challenges, including technical problems, weight issues, and cost overruns, leading to congressional investigations. Despite these hurdles, the C-5 Galaxy emerged as a key asset in strategic airlift capabilities​​​​.

Design Features: The C-5 Galaxy stands out with its four General Electric TF39-GE-1C turbofan engines, providing a significant thrust and efficiency. Its design includes a high-set wing with a 25-degree sweep and a distinctive T-tail. The aircraft is equipped with forward and rear cargo loading assemblies and a visor-type upward-hinged nose. The upper deck can accommodate a crew of six, a relief crew, and passengers, with provisions like bunk rooms, galleys, and lavatories. The cargo compartment is vast, capable of carrying a range of military hardware, including tanks, helicopters, and large numbers of troops. The landing gear system is unique, featuring a "kneeling" capability to facilitate cargo loading. The C-5 also has inflight refueling capabilities, extending its operational range significantly​​.

Operational History: Since its introduction, the C-5 Galaxy has been a critical component of U.S. military logistics, capable of transporting heavy and outsized military equipment globally. It played a vital role in operations such as Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where despite being only 12% of the airlift fleet, it carried 44% of the cargo. The Galaxy's capacity for strategic airlift has proven invaluable in numerous military and humanitarian operations, making it a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force's airlift capability.

Similar Freighter Models: The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is often mentioned alongside the Russian Antonov An-124. The C-5 was the largest aircraft in the world until the introduction of the An-124 in 1982. Compared to other US military aircraft, the C-5 Galaxy is significantly bigger than the C-17 Globemaster III, C-130 Hercules, and C-141 Starlifter.

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Values shown may not be 100% accurate, as some metrics are averages or only represent certain production years and configurations. Engine specs are based on the best options available.

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