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C-17 Globemaster III vs Kawasaki C-2

C-17 Globemaster III vs Kawasaki C-2 at a glance — top speed 930 vs 920 km/h, range 4,480 vs 7,600 km, max takeoff weight 259,460 vs 141,400 kg, built 279 vs 14 units.

McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-17 Globemaster III
Kawasaki C-2 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇯🇵 Kawasaki C-2
Specifications
C-17 Globemaster III Kawasaki C-2
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇯🇵 Japan
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Kawasaki
First flight 15 September 1991 26 January 2010
Year introduced 1993 2016
Number produced 279 units 14 units
Average unit price $340 million $74.0 million
Wing area 353.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 51.8 m 44.4 m
Height 16.8 m 14.2 m
Length 53.0 m 43.9 m
Maximum speed 930 km/h 920 km/h
Operational range 4,480 km 7,600 km
Service ceiling 13,715 m 13,100 m
Max. takeoff weight 259,460 kg 141,400 kg
Empty weight 122,000 kg 69,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 18,909 kgf 2 x 266 kN
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-17 Globemaster III or Kawasaki C-2?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the Kawasaki C-2's 920 km/h, a difference of 10 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-17 Globemaster III or Kawasaki C-2?
The Kawasaki C-2 has a longer range at 7,600 km compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 4,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-17 Globemaster III or Kawasaki C-2?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the Kawasaki C-2's 13,100 meters (42,979 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-17 Globemaster III or Kawasaki C-2?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the Kawasaki C-2's 141,400 kg.
Which is larger, the C-17 Globemaster III or Kawasaki C-2?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the Kawasaki C-2's 43.9 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-17 Globemaster III or Kawasaki C-2?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the Kawasaki C-2 at $74 million.
Which entered service first, the C-17 Globemaster III or Kawasaki C-2?
The C-17 Globemaster III entered service first in 1993, 23 years before the Kawasaki C-2 which entered service in 2016.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-17 Globemaster III or Kawasaki C-2?
The C-17 Globemaster III has been produced in greater numbers with 279 units compared to 14 units of the Kawasaki C-2.