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C-141 Starlifter vs Commander 500

Lockheed C-141 Starlifter military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-141 Starlifter
Commander 500 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Commander 500
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Specifications
C-141 Starlifter Commander 500
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Aero Commander
First flight 17 December 1963 23 April 1948
Year introduced 1965 1952
Number produced 285 units 2902 units
Average unit price $40 million $260K
Wing area 300.0 m² 24.0 m²
Wingspan 49.0 m 15.0 m
Height 12.0 m 4.4 m
Length 51.3 m 11.2 m
Maximum speed 805 km/h 346 km/h
Operational range 4,723 km 1,735 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m 5,913 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,556 kg 3,062 kg
Empty weight 65,540 kg 2,102 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,185 kgf 2 x 216 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The C-141 Starlifter and the Commander 500 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Aero Commander respectively.

The C-141 Starlifter reaches 805 km/h — 2.3x the Commander 500's 346 km/h. The C-141 Starlifter has an operational range of 4,723 km vs 1,735 km for the Commander 500. The C-141 Starlifter operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 5,913 m for the Commander 500. At 146,556 kg MTOW, the C-141 Starlifter is 48:1 the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.

The C-141 Starlifter has been produced in 285 units vs 2,902 for the Commander 500. Unit cost is $40M for the C-141 Starlifter vs $0.26M for the Commander 500. The Commander 500 first flew 15 years before the C-141 Starlifter (1948 vs 1963).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or Commander 500?
The C-141 Starlifter is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the Commander 500's 346 km/h, a difference of 459 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or Commander 500?
The C-141 Starlifter has a longer range at 4,723 km compared to the Commander 500's 1,735 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter or Commander 500?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the Commander 500's 5,913 meters (19,399 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or Commander 500?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,556 kg compared to the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or Commander 500?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the Commander 500's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-141 Starlifter or Commander 500?
The C-141 Starlifter is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the Commander 500 at $0.3 million.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 entered service first in 1952, 13 years before the C-141 Starlifter which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,902 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.