An-2 Colt vs C-141 Starlifter

Overview

The An-2 Colt and the C-141 Starlifter are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Antonov and Lockheed respectively.

The C-141 Starlifter reaches 805 km/h — 3.1x the An-2 Colt's 258 km/h. The An-2 Colt has an operational range of 845 km vs 4,723 km for the C-141 Starlifter. The C-141 Starlifter operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 4,500 m for the An-2 Colt. At 146,556 kg MTOW, the C-141 Starlifter is 27:1 the An-2 Colt's 5,440 kg.

The An-2 Colt has been produced in 18,000 units vs 285 for the C-141 Starlifter. Unit cost is $0.1M for the An-2 Colt vs $40M for the C-141 Starlifter. The An-2 Colt first flew 16 years before the C-141 Starlifter (1947 vs 1963).

An-2 Colt

Soviet single-engine biplane aircraft, mass-produced since 1947, remaining in service for military and civilian operations.
Antonov An-2 Colt Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Antonov
First flight 31 August 1947
Year introduced 1947
Number produced 18000 units
Average unit price $100K
→ View full An-2 Colt 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-2 Colt

Wing area 71.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 18.2 m ◉
Height 4.1 m ◉
Length 12.4 m ◉
Maximum speed 258 km/h ◉
Operational range 845 km ◉
Service ceiling 4,500 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 5,440 kg ◉
Empty weight 3,300 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 750 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-2 Colt or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the An-2 Colt's 258 km/h, a difference of 547 km/h.
Which has longer range, the An-2 Colt or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter has a longer range at 4,723 km compared to the An-2 Colt's 845 km.
Which can fly higher, the An-2 Colt or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the An-2 Colt's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the An-2 Colt or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,556 kg compared to the An-2 Colt's 5,440 kg.
Which is larger, the An-2 Colt or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the An-2 Colt's 12.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the An-2 Colt or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the An-2 Colt at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the An-2 Colt or C-141 Starlifter?
The An-2 Colt entered service first in 1947, 18 years before the C-141 Starlifter which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the An-2 Colt or C-141 Starlifter?
The An-2 Colt has been produced in greater numbers with 18,000 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.

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