C-141 Starlifter vs C-5 Galaxy

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 strategic airlifter, predominantly used during late Cold War, Desert Storm, and Iraq War for massive cargo transportation.
Lockheed C-5 Galaxy military transport aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 30 June 1968
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 131 units
Average unit price $168 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 576.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 67.9 m β—‰
Height 19.8 m β—‰
Length 75.3 m β—‰
Maximum speed 932 km/h β—‰
Operational range 8,900 km β—‰
Service ceiling 10,600 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 381,017 kg β—‰
Empty weight 172,365 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 4,919 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-5 Galaxy is faster with a maximum speed of 932 km/h compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 805 km/h, a difference of 127 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-5 Galaxy has a longer range at 8,900 km compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 4,723 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the C-5 Galaxy's 10,600 meters (34,776 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-5 Galaxy has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 381,017 kg compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 146,556 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-5 Galaxy is longer at 75.3 meters compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 51.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-141 Starlifter or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-5 Galaxy is more expensive at approximately $168 million per unit compared to the C-141 Starlifter at $40 million.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-141 Starlifter entered service first in 1965, 6 years before the C-5 Galaxy which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or C-5 Galaxy?
The C-141 Starlifter has been produced in greater numbers with 285 units compared to 131 units of the C-5 Galaxy.