C-141 Starlifter vs 208 Caravan

The C-141 Starlifter and the 208 Caravan are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Cessna respectively. The C-141 Starlifter reaches 805 km/h — 2.3x the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h. The C-141 Starlifter has an operational range of 4,723 km vs 1,980 km for the 208 Caravan. The C-141 Starlifter operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 7,600 m for the 208 Caravan. At 146,556 kg MTOW, the C-141 Starlifter is 37:1 the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg. The C-141 Starlifter has been produced in 285 units vs 3,000 for the 208 Caravan. Unit cost is $40M for the C-141 Starlifter vs $2.1M for the 208 Caravan. The C-141 Starlifter first flew 19 years before the 208 Caravan (1963 vs 1982).

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
American utility aircraft, primarily deployed for passenger and cargo transportation, known for its operational history since the 1980s.
Cessna 208 Caravan Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Cessna
First flight 9 December 1982
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 3000 units
Average unit price $2.1 million
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 9,185 kgf
Wing area 26.0 m²
Wingspan 15.9 m
Height 4.3 m
Length 12.7 m
Maximum speed 344 km/h
Operational range 1,980 km
Service ceiling 7,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,970 kg
Empty weight 2,073 kg
Total thrust 1 x 505 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or 208 Caravan?
The C-141 Starlifter is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h, a difference of 461 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or 208 Caravan?
The C-141 Starlifter has a longer range at 4,723 km compared to the 208 Caravan's 1,980 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter or 208 Caravan?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the 208 Caravan's 7,600 meters (24,934 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or 208 Caravan?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,556 kg compared to the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or 208 Caravan?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the 208 Caravan's 12.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-141 Starlifter or 208 Caravan?
The C-141 Starlifter is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the 208 Caravan at $2.1 million.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or 208 Caravan?
The C-141 Starlifter entered service first in 1965, 19 years before the 208 Caravan which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan has been produced in greater numbers with 3,000 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.