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C-141 Starlifter vs Tu-154 Careless

Lockheed C-141 Starlifter military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-141 Starlifter
Tupolev Tu-154 Careless military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-154 Careless
Change comparison vs
Specifications
C-141 Starlifter Tu-154 Careless
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Tupolev
First flight 17 December 1963 4 October 1968
Year introduced 1965 1972
Number produced 285 units 1026 units
Average unit price $40 million $45 million
Wing area 300.0 m² 202.0 m²
Wingspan 49.0 m 37.6 m
Height 12.0 m 11.4 m
Length 51.3 m 48.0 m
Maximum speed 805 km/h 913 km/h
Operational range 4,723 km 6,600 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m 12,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,556 kg 104,000 kg
Empty weight 65,540 kg 55,300 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,185 kgf 3 x 10,503 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The C-141 Starlifter and the Tu-154 Careless are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Tupolev respectively.

Top speed is 805 km/h for the C-141 Starlifter vs 913 km/h for the Tu-154 Careless. The C-141 Starlifter has an operational range of 4,723 km vs 6,600 km for the Tu-154 Careless. The C-141 Starlifter operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 12,100 m for the Tu-154 Careless.

The C-141 Starlifter has been produced in 285 units vs 1,026 for the Tu-154 Careless. Unit cost is $40M for the C-141 Starlifter vs $45M for the Tu-154 Careless. The C-141 Starlifter first flew 5 years before the Tu-154 Careless (1963 vs 1968).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or Tu-154 Careless?
The Tu-154 Careless is faster with a maximum speed of 913 km/h compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 805 km/h, a difference of 108 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or Tu-154 Careless?
The Tu-154 Careless has a longer range at 6,600 km compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 4,723 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter or Tu-154 Careless?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the Tu-154 Careless's 12,100 meters (39,698 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or Tu-154 Careless?
The C-141 Starlifter has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,556 kg compared to the Tu-154 Careless's 104,000 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or Tu-154 Careless?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the Tu-154 Careless's 48.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-141 Starlifter or Tu-154 Careless?
The Tu-154 Careless is more expensive at approximately $45 million per unit compared to the C-141 Starlifter at $40 million.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or Tu-154 Careless?
The C-141 Starlifter entered service first in 1965, 7 years before the Tu-154 Careless which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or Tu-154 Careless?
The Tu-154 Careless has been produced in greater numbers with 1,026 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.