C-141 Starlifter vs DC-10

American military transport aircraft, pivotal during the Vietnam War, chiefly used for strategic airlift missions.
Picture of C-141 Starlifter
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 wide-body airliner, recognized for wide deployment in commercial and cargo flights from the 1970s to the early 2000s.
Picture of DC-10
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 29 August 1970
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 386 units
Average unit price $20 million
Wing area 300.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 49.0 m â—‰
Height 12.0 m â—‰
Length 51.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 805 km/h â—‰
Operational range 4,723 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,497 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 146,556 kg â—‰
Empty weight 65,540 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 9,185 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed C-141 Starlifter
Wing area 368.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 50.4 m â—‰
Height 17.7 m â—‰
Length 55.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1052 km/h â—‰
Operational range 9,600 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,802 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 263,083 kg â—‰
Empty weight 121,198 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 23,814 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of McDonnell Douglas DC-10

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of DC-10 by Boeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-10?
The DC-10 is faster with a maximum speed of 1,052 km/h compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 805 km/h, a difference of 247 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-10?
The DC-10 has a longer range at 9,600 km compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 4,723 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-10?
The DC-10 has a higher service ceiling at 12,802 meters (42,001 ft) compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 12,497 meters (41,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-10?
The DC-10 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 263,083 kg compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 146,556 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-10?
The DC-10 is longer at 55.5 meters compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 51.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-10?
The C-141 Starlifter is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the DC-10 at $20 million.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-10?
The C-141 Starlifter entered service first in 1965, 6 years before the DC-10 which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-10?
The DC-10 has been produced in greater numbers with 386 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.