C-141 Starlifter vs PA-34 Seneca

The C-141 Starlifter and the PA-34 Seneca are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Piper respectively. The C-141 Starlifter reaches 805 km/h — 2.1x the PA-34 Seneca's 378 km/h. The C-141 Starlifter has an operational range of 4,723 km vs 1,611 km for the PA-34 Seneca. The C-141 Starlifter operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 7,620 m for the PA-34 Seneca. At 146,556 kg MTOW, the C-141 Starlifter is 68:1 the PA-34 Seneca's 2,155 kg. The C-141 Starlifter has been produced in 285 units vs 5,037 for the PA-34 Seneca. The C-141 Starlifter first flew 4 years before the PA-34 Seneca (1963 vs 1967).

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 twin-engined light aircraft, renowned for its versatility, extensively used for flight training and personal use since the 1970s.
Piper PA-34 Seneca Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 25 April 1967
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 5037 units
Average unit price $-- million
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 9,185 kgf
Wing area 19.4 m²
Wingspan 11.9 m
Height 3.0 m
Length 8.7 m
Maximum speed 378 km/h
Operational range 1,611 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,155 kg
Empty weight 1,457 kg
Total thrust 2 x 164 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-141 Starlifter is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 378 km/h, a difference of 427 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-141 Starlifter has a longer range at 4,723 km compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 1,611 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,556 kg compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 2,155 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 8.7 meters.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-141 Starlifter entered service first in 1965, 6 years before the PA-34 Seneca which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or PA-34 Seneca?
The PA-34 Seneca has been produced in greater numbers with 5,037 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.