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C-141 Starlifter vs KC-135 Stratotanker

C-141 Starlifter vs KC-135 Stratotanker at a glance — top speed 805 vs 933 km/h, range 4,723 vs 17,727 km, max takeoff weight 146,556 vs 146,283 kg, built 285 vs 803 units.

Lockheed C-141 Starlifter military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-141 StarlifterFull specs
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 StratotankerFull specs
Specifications
C-141 Starlifter KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Boeing
First flight 17 December 1963 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1964 1957
Number produced 285 units 803 units
Average unit price $40 million $39 million
Wing area 300.0 m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 49.0 m 39.9 m
Height 12.0 m 12.7 m
Length 51.3 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 805 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 4,723 km 17,727 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,556 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 65,540 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,185 kgf 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 805 km/h, a difference of 128 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer range at 17,727 km compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 4,723 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 12,497 meters (41,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,556 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-141 Starlifter or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The C-141 Starlifter is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 7 years before the C-141 Starlifter which entered service in 1964.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.