A321 vs C-141 Starlifter
Overview
The A321 and the C-141 Starlifter are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Lockheed respectively.
Top speed is 871 km/h for the A321 vs 805 km/h for the C-141 Starlifter. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 4,723 km for the C-141 Starlifter. The C-141 Starlifter operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 12,000 m for the A321.
The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 285 for the C-141 Starlifter. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $40M for the C-141 Starlifter. The C-141 Starlifter first flew 24 years before the A321 (1963 vs 1987).
| European narrow-body commercial passenger jet, recognized for global use since 1990s, employed extensively by major airlines. | |
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| Origin country | 🇪🇺 Europe |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| First flight | 27 February 1987 |
| Year introduced | 1994 |
| Number produced | 2917 units |
| Average unit price | $120 million |
| American military transport aircraft, pivotal during the Vietnam War, chiefly used for strategic airlift missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 17 December 1963 |
| Year introduced | 1965 |
| Number produced | 285 units |
| Average unit price | $40 million |
| Wing area | 122.6 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 34.1 m ◉ |
| Height | 11.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 37.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 871 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,930 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 78,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 42,600 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 5,670 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 300.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 49.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 12.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 51.3 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 805 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 4,723 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,497 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 146,556 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 65,540 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,296 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A321 or C-141 Starlifter?
The A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 805 km/h, a difference of 66 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or C-141 Starlifter?
The A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 4,723 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the A321's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,556 kg compared to the A321's 78,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the A321's 37.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or C-141 Starlifter?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the C-141 Starlifter at $40 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter entered service first in 1965, 29 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or C-141 Starlifter?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.