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C-130 Hercules vs C-141 Starlifter

C-130 Hercules vs C-141 Starlifter at a glance — top speed 593 vs 805 km/h, range 3,800 vs 4,723 km, max takeoff weight 70,307 vs 146,556 kg, built 2,500 vs 285 units.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-130 Hercules
Lockheed C-141 Starlifter military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-141 Starlifter
Specifications
C-130 Hercules C-141 Starlifter
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Lockheed
First flight 23 August 1954 17 December 1963
Year introduced 1956 1965
Number produced 2500 units 285 units
Average unit price $68 million $40 million
Wing area 162.0 m² 300.0 m²
Wingspan 40.4 m 49.0 m
Height 11.7 m 12.0 m
Length 29.8 m 51.3 m
Maximum speed 593 km/h 805 km/h
Operational range 3,800 km 4,723 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 12,497 m
Max. takeoff weight 70,307 kg 146,556 kg
Empty weight 35,800 kg 65,540 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,661 kW 4 x 9,185 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-130 Hercules or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the C-130 Hercules's 593 km/h, a difference of 212 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-130 Hercules or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter has a longer range at 4,723 km compared to the C-130 Hercules's 3,800 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-130 Hercules or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the C-130 Hercules's 10,058 meters (32,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-130 Hercules or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,556 kg compared to the C-130 Hercules's 70,307 kg.
Which is larger, the C-130 Hercules or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the C-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-130 Hercules or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-130 Hercules is more expensive at approximately $68 million per unit compared to the C-141 Starlifter at $40 million.
Which entered service first, the C-130 Hercules or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-130 Hercules entered service first in 1956, 9 years before the C-141 Starlifter which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-130 Hercules or C-141 Starlifter?
The C-130 Hercules has been produced in greater numbers with 2,500 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.