C-141 Starlifter vs 208 Caravan

Overview

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).

C-141 Starlifter

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
→ View full C-141 Starlifter details

208 Caravan

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
→ View full 208 Caravan details

C-141 Starlifter

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 2,296 kgf ◉

208 Caravan

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.

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