C-141 Starlifter vs C-17 Globemaster III

American military transport aircraft, pivotal during the Vietnam War, chiefly used for strategic airlift missions.
Lockheed C-141 Starlifter military transport aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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
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 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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
Wing area 300.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 49.0 m β—‰
Height 12.0 m β—‰
Length 51.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 805 km/h β—‰
Operational range 4,723 km β—‰
Service ceiling 12,497 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 146,556 kg β—‰
Empty weight 65,540 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 2,296 kgf β—‰
Wing area 353.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 51.8 m β—‰
Height 16.8 m β—‰
Length 53.0 m β—‰
Maximum speed 930 km/h β—‰
Operational range 4,480 km β—‰
Service ceiling 13,715 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 259,460 kg β—‰
Empty weight 122,000 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 4,727 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 805 km/h, a difference of 125 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-141 Starlifter has a longer range at 4,723 km compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 4,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter 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 C-141 Starlifter's 12,497 meters (41,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 146,556 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 51.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-141 Starlifter or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the C-141 Starlifter at $40 million.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-141 Starlifter entered service first in 1965, 28 years before the C-17 Globemaster III which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or C-17 Globemaster III?
The C-141 Starlifter has been produced in greater numbers with 285 units compared to 279 units of the C-17 Globemaster III.