C-141 Starlifter vs DC-3

The C-141 Starlifter and the DC-3 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Douglas respectively. Top speed is 805 km/h for the C-141 Starlifter vs 413 km/h for the DC-3. The C-141 Starlifter has an operational range of 4,723 km vs 2,540 km for the DC-3. The C-141 Starlifter operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 146,556 kg MTOW, the C-141 Starlifter is 11:1 the DC-3's 13,154 kg. The C-141 Starlifter has been produced in 285 units vs 10,174 for the DC-3. Unit cost is $40M for the C-141 Starlifter vs $0.08M for the DC-3. The DC-3 first flew 22 years before the C-141 Starlifter (1941 vs 1963).

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 commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport.
Douglas DC-3 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas
First flight 23 December 1941
Year introduced 1936
Number produced 10174 units
Average unit price $0.1 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—‰
Wing area 91.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.0 m â—‰
Height 5.6 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 413 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,540 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,071 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,450 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 875 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-3?
The C-141 Starlifter is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 392 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-3?
The C-141 Starlifter has a longer range at 4,723 km compared to the DC-3's 2,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-3?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-3?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,556 kg compared to the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-3?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the DC-3's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-3?
The C-141 Starlifter is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-3?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 29 years before the C-141 Starlifter which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or DC-3?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.