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Lockheed C-130 Hercules vs. Boeing Dreamlifter

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C-130

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Dreamlifter

First Flight
19542006
Length
29 m97 ft
71 m235 ft
Wingspan
40 m132 ft
64 m211 ft
Wing Area
162 m²1,744 ft²
541 m²5,825 ft²
Fuselage Width
3 m9 ft
8 m27 ft
Height
11 m38 ft
21 m70 ft
Cargo Capacity
19 t42,000 lbs
133 t250,000 lbs
Max Takeoff Weight
70 t155,000 lbs
364 t803,000 lbs
Number of Engines
44
Engine Manufacturer & Model
Allison T56Pratt & Whitney PW4000
Max Thrust Per Engine
200 kW4,590 hp
282 kN63,300 lbf
Max Total Thrust
12,800 kW18,360 hp
1,128 kN253,200 lbf
Fuel Capacity
30,500 l8,058 gal
199,150 l52,616 gal
Range
3,800 km2,052 nm
7,800 km4,212 nm
Cruise Speed
541 km/h336 mph
878 km/h546 mph

What Are the Differences Between the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Boeing Dreamlifter

Lockheed C-130 Hercules vs Boeing Dreamlifter Size Comparison

  • With a length of 71.70 meters, the Boeing Dreamlifter is 41.90 meters longer than the Lockheed C-130 Hercules.
  • The Lockheed C-130 Hercules and Boeing Dreamlifter have heights of 11.60 meters and 21.50 meters respectively - making the Boeing Dreamlifter 9.90 meters taller.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules vs Boeing Dreamlifter Cargo Capacity

  • The Boeing Dreamlifter can carry about 133 tons of cargo, while the Lockheed C-130 Hercules can hold about 19 tons . Head to head, the Boeing Dreamlifter has approximately 114 tons more of cargo capacity.

About the Lockheed C-130 Hercules

The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft developed by the Lockheed Corporation, now part of Lockheed Martin. Since its first flight in 1954, the C-130 has become one of the most widely used transport aircraft by military forces worldwide.

Production History: The C-130 was developed in response to a request from the United States Air Force for a transport aircraft capable of operating from unprepared runways. The initial production model, the C-130A, equipped with Allison T56-A-11 or -9 turboprop engines, began deliveries in December 1956. Subsequent models, such as the C-130B introduced in 1959 and the C-130E in 1962, incorporated improvements like increased fuel capacity and more powerful engines. The most produced variant, the C-130H, began deliveries in the mid-1970s. The latest variant, the C-130J Super Hercules, is the only model currently in production.

Design Features: The C-130 is distinguished by its high-wing design, allowing for a short takeoff and landing capability and a rear-loading ramp for easy loading and unloading of cargo. The aircraft can carry more than 42,000 pounds (19,051kg) of cargo, with a cargo compartment that can be rapidly reconfigured for carrying troops, stretchers, or passengers. The C-130 is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips, making it versatile for various military missions. The Hercules can also perform airdrops of troops or equipment and is equipped for LAPES (Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System) delivery of heavy cargoes. In its personnel carrier role, it can accommodate 92 combat troops or 64 paratroopers.

Operational History: The C-130 Hercules has been deployed in numerous military operations worldwide, serving as a workhorse for air forces in various countries. It has played a significant role in operations such as Desert Shield and Desert Storm, where it was instrumental in transporting troops and equipment. The C-130's flexibility has been demonstrated in its ability to perform a wide range of missions, including airlift support, airdrops, and aeromedical evacuations.

Similar Freighter Models: While the C-130 Hercules is unique in its capabilities, similar transport aircraft include the Airbus A400M Atlas and the Antonov An-72. These aircraft also provide tactical airlift capabilities with the ability to operate from short and unprepared runways.

About the Boeing Dreamlifter

The Boeing 747-400 Large Cargo Freighter (LCF), commonly known as the Dreamlifter, is a specially modified version of the Boeing 747-400. It is a wide-body cargo aircraft renowned for its outsized cargo-carrying capacity, primarily used for transporting Boeing 787 Dreamliner parts.

Production History: The Dreamlifter was developed as a solution to logistical challenges faced by Boeing in transporting large aircraft components. Launched in December 2006, it was designed to facilitate the transportation of parts from global suppliers to Boeing's assembly facilities in the United States. The Dreamlifter is a result of extensive modifications to existing Boeing 747-400 airframes. By June 2008, three of the four planned Dreamlifters were operational, with the fourth becoming operational in February 2010. The aircraft was named Dreamlifter as a nod to the 787's name, Dreamliner.

Design Features: The Dreamlifter is distinguished by its enlarged fuselage, which provides a cargo volume of 65,000 cubic feet, three times that of a 747-400F freighter. The aircraft is powered by four Pratt & Whitney PW 4062 turbofans, ensuring efficient performance. It has a length of 235 ft 2 in, a wingspan of 211 ft 5 in, and a height of 70 ft 8 in. Its maximum takeoff weight is 364,235 kg (803,001 lb), and it has a cruising speed of Mach 0.82. The Dreamlifter's range is approximately 4,200 nautical miles when fully loaded.

Operational History: The Dreamlifter has been instrumental in the production of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, enabling the efficient global transportation of large aircraft parts. This aircraft has also been involved in humanitarian efforts, such as transporting medical supplies during global crises, demonstrating its utility beyond industrial logistics.

Similar Freighter Models: While the Dreamlifter is unique in its specific role for Boeing's production logistics, similar large cargo aircraft include the Airbus Beluga and BelugaXL, which serve a similar function for Airbus. These aircraft are also modified from existing airframes (A300-600 and A330 respectively) and are designed to transport oversized aircraft components. The comparison highlights the niche but critical role these specialized freighters play in modern aircraft manufacturing logistics.

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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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