An-12 Cub vs C-141 Starlifter

Overview

The An-12 Cub and the C-141 Starlifter are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Antonov and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 770 km/h for the An-12 Cub vs 805 km/h for the C-141 Starlifter. The An-12 Cub has an operational range of 5,700 km vs 4,723 km for the C-141 Starlifter. The C-141 Starlifter operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 10,200 m for the An-12 Cub. At 146,556 kg MTOW, the C-141 Starlifter is 2.4x the An-12 Cub's 61,000 kg.

The An-12 Cub has been produced in 1,248 units vs 285 for the C-141 Starlifter. Unit cost is $20M for the An-12 Cub vs $40M for the C-141 Starlifter. The An-12 Cub first flew 6 years before the C-141 Starlifter (1957 vs 1963).

An-12 Cub

Soviet cargo aircraft, significantly deployed during the Cold War, primarily used for military transport.
Antonov An-12 Cub Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇦 Ukraine
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Antonov
First flight 16 December 1957
Year introduced 1959
Number produced 1248 units
Average unit price $20 million
→ View full An-12 Cub details

C-141 Starlifter

American military transport aircraft, pivotal during the Vietnam War, chiefly used for strategic airlift missions.
Lockheed C-141 Starlifter Transport profile drawing
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
→ View full C-141 Starlifter details

An-12 Cub

Wing area 121.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 38.0 m ◉
Height 10.5 m ◉
Length 33.1 m ◉
Maximum speed 770 km/h ◉
Operational range 5,700 km ◉
Service ceiling 10,200 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 61,000 kg ◉
Empty weight 28,000 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 782 kW ◉

C-141 Starlifter

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the An-12 Cub or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the An-12 Cub's 770 km/h, a difference of 35 km/h.
Which has longer range, the An-12 Cub or C-141 Starlifter?
The An-12 Cub has a longer range at 5,700 km compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 4,723 km.
Which can fly higher, the An-12 Cub or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the An-12 Cub's 10,200 meters (33,464 ft).
Which is heavier, the An-12 Cub or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,556 kg compared to the An-12 Cub's 61,000 kg.
Which is larger, the An-12 Cub or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the An-12 Cub's 33.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the An-12 Cub or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the An-12 Cub at $20 million.
Which entered service first, the An-12 Cub or C-141 Starlifter?
The An-12 Cub entered service first in 1959, 6 years before the C-141 Starlifter which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the An-12 Cub or C-141 Starlifter?
The An-12 Cub has been produced in greater numbers with 1,248 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.

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