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Airbus A321 vs C-17 Globemaster III

Airbus A321 vs C-17 Globemaster III at a glance — top speed 871 vs 930 km/h, range 5,930 vs 4,480 km, max takeoff weight 78,000 vs 259,460 kg, built 2,917 vs 279 units.

Airbus A321 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 Airbus A321
McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-17 Globemaster III
Specifications
Airbus A321 C-17 Globemaster III
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus McDonnell Douglas
First flight 27 February 1987 15 September 1991
Year introduced 1994 1993
Number produced 2917 units 279 units
Average unit price $120 million $340 million
Wing area 122.6 m² 353.0 m²
Wingspan 34.1 m 51.8 m
Height 11.8 m 16.8 m
Length 37.6 m 53.0 m
Maximum speed 871 km/h 930 km/h
Operational range 5,930 km 4,480 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m 13,715 m
Max. takeoff weight 78,000 kg 259,460 kg
Empty weight 42,600 kg 122,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,340 kgf 4 x 18,909 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A321 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the Airbus A321's 871 km/h, a difference of 59 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A321 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The Airbus A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 4,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A321 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the Airbus A321's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A321 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the Airbus A321's 78,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A321 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the Airbus A321's 37.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Airbus A321 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the Airbus A321 at $120 million.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A321 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III entered service first in 1993, 1 years before the Airbus A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A321 or C-17 Globemaster III?
The Airbus A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 279 units of the C-17 Globemaster III.