An-2 Colt vs C-17 Globemaster III

Overview

The An-2 Colt and the C-17 Globemaster III are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Antonov and McDonnell Douglas respectively.

The C-17 Globemaster III reaches 930 km/h — 3.6x the An-2 Colt's 258 km/h. The An-2 Colt has an operational range of 845 km vs 4,480 km for the C-17 Globemaster III. The C-17 Globemaster III operates at altitudes up to 13,715 m compared to 4,500 m for the An-2 Colt. At 259,460 kg MTOW, the C-17 Globemaster III is 48:1 the An-2 Colt's 5,440 kg.

The An-2 Colt has been produced in 18,000 units vs 279 for the C-17 Globemaster III. Unit cost is $0.1M for the An-2 Colt vs $340M for the C-17 Globemaster III. The An-2 Colt first flew 44 years before the C-17 Globemaster III (1947 vs 1991).

An-2 Colt

Soviet single-engine biplane aircraft, mass-produced since 1947, remaining in service for military and civilian operations.
Antonov An-2 Colt military transport aircraft side 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-17 Globemaster III

American military transport aircraft, extensively deployed in global conflict zones since the 1990s for strategic airlift missions.
McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 15 September 1991
Year introduced 1993
Number produced 279 units
Average unit price $340 million
→ View full C-17 Globemaster III 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-17 Globemaster III

Wing area 353.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 51.8 m ◉
Height 16.8 m ◉
Length 53.0 m ◉
Maximum speed 930 km/h ◉
Operational range 4,480 km ◉
Service ceiling 13,715 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 259,460 kg ◉
Empty weight 122,000 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 4,727 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the An-2 Colt or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the An-2 Colt's 258 km/h, a difference of 672 km/h.
Which has longer range, the An-2 Colt or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a longer range at 4,480 km compared to the An-2 Colt's 845 km.
Which can fly higher, the An-2 Colt 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 An-2 Colt's 4,500 meters (14,763 ft).
Which is heavier, the An-2 Colt or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the An-2 Colt's 5,440 kg.
Which is larger, the An-2 Colt or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the An-2 Colt's 12.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the An-2 Colt or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the An-2 Colt at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the An-2 Colt or C-17 Globemaster III?
The An-2 Colt entered service first in 1947, 46 years before the C-17 Globemaster III which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the An-2 Colt or C-17 Globemaster III?
The An-2 Colt has been produced in greater numbers with 18,000 units compared to 279 units of the C-17 Globemaster III.

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