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C-141 Starlifter vs Y-20

Lockheed C-141 Starlifter military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-141 Starlifter
Xian Y-20 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 Y-20
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Specifications
C-141 Starlifter Y-20
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Xian
First flight 17 December 1963 26 January 2013
Year introduced 1965 2016
Number produced 285 units 58 units
Average unit price $40 million $160 million
Wing area 300.0 m² 310.0 m²
Wingspan 49.0 m 50.0 m
Height 12.0 m 15.0 m
Length 51.3 m 47.0 m
Maximum speed 805 km/h 926 km/h
Operational range 4,723 km 7,800 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m 13,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,556 kg 222,000 kg
Empty weight 65,540 kg 100,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,185 kgf 4 x 12,033 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The C-141 Starlifter and the Y-20 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Xian respectively.

Top speed is 805 km/h for the C-141 Starlifter vs 926 km/h for the Y-20. The C-141 Starlifter has an operational range of 4,723 km vs 7,800 km for the Y-20. The Y-20 operates at altitudes up to 13,000 m compared to 12,497 m for the C-141 Starlifter.

The C-141 Starlifter has been produced in 285 units vs 58 for the Y-20. Unit cost is $40M for the C-141 Starlifter vs $160M for the Y-20. The C-141 Starlifter first flew 50 years before the Y-20 (1963 vs 2013).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or Y-20?
The Y-20 is faster with a maximum speed of 926 km/h compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 805 km/h, a difference of 121 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or Y-20?
The Y-20 has a longer range at 7,800 km compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 4,723 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter or Y-20?
The Y-20 has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 12,497 meters (41,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or Y-20?
The Y-20 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 222,000 kg compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 146,556 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or Y-20?
The C-141 Starlifter is longer at 51.3 meters compared to the Y-20's 47.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-141 Starlifter or Y-20?
The Y-20 is more expensive at approximately $160 million per unit compared to the C-141 Starlifter at $40 million.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or Y-20?
The C-141 Starlifter entered service first in 1965, 51 years before the Y-20 which entered service in 2016.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or Y-20?
The C-141 Starlifter has been produced in greater numbers with 285 units compared to 58 units of the Y-20.