The C-5M, C-17, and C-130 have proven adept at meeting the full sweep of logistical challenges facing the US military.
The US Air Force operates three primary airlifters—the C-5M Super Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster III, and C-130 Hercules. Each of the three aircraft plays a distinct yet complementary role in military logistics and mobility. All three are used to transport personnel, equipment, and supplies, but they differ in terms of size, range, payload capacity, operational environment, and mission profile.
The C-5M Super Galaxy Has a Huge Payload Capacity
The Lockheed Martin C-5M is the largest transport aircraft in the US military. The C-5M is designed for strategic, long-distance heavy airlift and is capable of carrying outsized and oversized cargo intercontinentally without refueling. The C-5M’s payload capacity is a remarkable 281,000 pounds. When fully loaded, the C-5M has a range of over 5,500 nautical miles.
The aircraft’s most distinctive feature is the way its nose can be lifted, along with the rear-loading ramp, to create a “drive-through” loading scheme. Configured as such, the C-5M can carry multiple helicopters, armored vehicles, or even large missiles. However, a major drawback of the C-5M is that it requires long, well-prepared runways, and is not geared towards operations in austere or short-field environments.
The C-17 Globemaster III Can Operate in Austere Environments
The Boeing C-17 strikes a balance between strategic and tactical airlifts. With a still impressive payload of 170,900 pounds, the C-17 is less capable of hefting sheer weight than the C-5M.
However, the C-17 compensates for this drawback with improved flexibility. Unlike the C-5M, which requires long and well-manicured runways, the C-17 can operate from shorter (as short as 3,500 feet) and semi-prepared runways. With advanced avionics and reverse-thrust engines, the C-17 is equipped for rapid deceleration upon landing. The C-17 is also capable of airdropping troops and cargo directly into combat areas, a feat the C-5M cannot accomplish.
The C-17 boasts an impressive range of 4,500 nautical miles—which is not as far-reaching as the C-5M’s, but still capable of operating globally, especially with its mid-air refueling capability. Between the strategic and tactical transport flexibility, the C-17 is a vital tool in enabling the US military’s rapid response.
The C-130 Hercules Is Versatile
The Lockheed Martin C-130 is the smallest of the three airlifts, used primarily in tactical situations. Known for its ruggedness, versatility, and reliability, the C-130 has been in service since the 1950s and has maintained relevance through a series of constant upgrades. The aircraft has a maximum payload of 42,000 pounds and a range of 2,100 nautical miles. However, the reduced payload and range are offset by the ability to take off and land on short, unprepared airstrips, including those made of dirt, gravel, or ice. Accordingly, the C-130 is well-suited for forward-deployed operations, humanitarian missions, and disaster relief—anywhere on Earth. When the US military requires airdrops, medieval, or special operations support, the C-130 is its go-to option.
In summary, the C-5M is a heavyweight strategic airlifter, designed for hauling massive cargo across continents. The C-17 is the versatile bridge between strategic and tactical needs. The C-130 is the ultra-maneuverable, smaller-scale tactical airlift, best suited for localized and challenging operations. Together, the three airlifts have proven adept at meeting the full sweep of logistical challenges facing the US military.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a Senior Defense and National Security Writer at The National Interest. Kass is an attorney and former political candidate who joined the US Air Force as a pilot trainee before being medically discharged. He focuses on military strategy, aerospace, and global security affairs. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global Journalism and International Relations from NYU.
Region: Americas
Topic: Air Warfare
Tags: North America, United States, US Air Force, C-17, C-130, C-5M
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
