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Airbus A400M vs. Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

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A400M

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C-5

First Flight
20091968
Length
45 m148 ft
75 m247 ft
Wingspan
42 m139 ft
67 m222 ft
Wing Area
225 m²2,423 ft²
580 m²6,243 ft²
Fuselage Width
5 m18 ft
5 m18 ft
Height
14 m48 ft
19 m65 ft
Cargo Capacity
37 t81,600 lbs
127 t281,000 lbs
Max Takeoff Weight
141 t310,900 lbs
381 t840,000 lbs
Number of Engines
44
Engine Manufacturer & Model
Europrop TP400General Electric CF36 (F138)
Max Thrust Per Engine
8200kW 11,000 lbf
230 kN51,000 lbf
Max Total Thrust
32,800 kW44,000 hp
920 kN204,000 lbf
Fuel Capacity
63,500 l16,777 gal
193,600 l51,149 gal
Range
3,300 km1,782 nm
4,260 km2,300 nm
Cruise Speed
781 km/h485 mph
830 km/h516 mph

What Are the Differences Between the Airbus A400M and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy

Airbus A400M vs Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Size Comparison

  • With a length of 75.30 meters, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy is 30.20 meters longer than the Airbus A400M.
  • The Airbus A400M and Lockheed C-5 Galaxy have heights of 14.70 meters and 19.80 meters respectively - making the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy 5.10 meters taller.

Airbus A400M vs Lockheed C-5 Galaxy Cargo Capacity

  • The Lockheed C-5 Galaxy can carry about 127 tons of cargo, while the Airbus A400M can hold about 37 tons . Head to head, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy has approximately 90 tons more of cargo capacity.

About the Airbus A400M

The Airbus A400M, also known as the Atlas, is a multi-role, four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft developed by Airbus. It represents a significant evolution in military air transport, bridging the gap between tactical and strategic capabilities.

Production History: The A400M's development journey began as a joint venture in the early 1980s, aiming to replace aging transport aircraft like the C-130 and C-160. Despite facing challenges such as delays, budget overruns, and performance concerns, the A400M project persevered with additional funding from partner countries. The aircraft made its maiden flight on December 11, 2009, and received its Certificate of Airworthiness in March 2013. The first production aircraft was delivered to the French Air Force in August 2013.

Design Features: The A400M is notable for its ability to carry heavy and outsized loads, positioned between the Lockheed C-130 and the Boeing C-17 in terms of size and range. It can operate from rough landing strips, which are inaccessible to larger transport aircraft. The A400M's design includes innovative features like counter-rotating propellers, enhancing lift and fuel efficiency while reducing torque. This results in better control and fuel efficiency, particularly at low altitudes. The aircraft has a maximum range of approximately 8,900 km, and its cargo compartment can accommodate a variety of loads, including heavy military vehicles and helicopters.

Operational History: Since entering service, the A400M has been used in various military and humanitarian operations. Its capabilities have been particularly valuable in challenging environments, such as semi-prepared runways in conflict zones or natural disaster sites. The most prominent operators of the A400M include Germany, Spain, France, and the U.K.

Similar Freighter Models: The A400M fills a unique position in the military transport aircraft market. While similar in some respects to the C130J Hercules and the larger Globemaster C-17, the A400M offers a blend of tactical agility and strategic airlift capacity that is distinct in its class.

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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