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An-12 Cub vs C-141 Starlifter

Antonov An-12 Cub military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇦 An-12 Cub
Lockheed C-141 Starlifter military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-141 Starlifter
Change comparison vs
Specifications
An-12 Cub C-141 Starlifter
Origin country 🇺🇦 Ukraine 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Antonov Lockheed
First flight 16 December 1957 17 December 1963
Year introduced 1959 1965
Number produced 1248 units 285 units
Average unit price $20 million $40 million
Wing area 121.7 m² 300.0 m²
Wingspan 38.0 m 49.0 m
Height 10.5 m 12.0 m
Length 33.1 m 51.3 m
Maximum speed 770 km/h 805 km/h
Operational range 5,700 km 4,723 km
Service ceiling 10,200 m 12,497 m
Max. takeoff weight 61,000 kg 146,556 kg
Empty weight 28,000 kg 65,540 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,126 kW 4 x 9,185 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

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).

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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.