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C-17 Globemaster III vs 208 Caravan

McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-17 Globemaster III
Cessna 208 Caravan military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 208 Caravan
Change comparison vs
Specifications
C-17 Globemaster III 208 Caravan
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Cessna
First flight 15 September 1991 9 December 1982
Year introduced 1993 1984
Number produced 279 units 3000 units
Average unit price $340 million $2.1 million
Wing area 353.0 m² 26.0 m²
Wingspan 51.8 m 15.9 m
Height 16.8 m 4.3 m
Length 53.0 m 12.7 m
Maximum speed 930 km/h 344 km/h
Operational range 4,480 km 1,980 km
Service ceiling 13,715 m 7,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 259,460 kg 3,970 kg
Empty weight 122,000 kg 2,073 kg
Total thrust 4 x 4,727 kgf 1 x 505 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The C-17 Globemaster III and the 208 Caravan are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Cessna respectively.

The C-17 Globemaster III reaches 930 km/h — 2.7x the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h. The C-17 Globemaster III has an operational range of 4,480 km vs 1,980 km for the 208 Caravan. The C-17 Globemaster III operates at altitudes up to 13,715 m compared to 7,600 m for the 208 Caravan. At 259,460 kg MTOW, the C-17 Globemaster III is 65:1 the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg.

The C-17 Globemaster III has been produced in 279 units vs 3,000 for the 208 Caravan. Unit cost is $340M for the C-17 Globemaster III vs $2.1M for the 208 Caravan. The 208 Caravan first flew 9 years before the C-17 Globemaster III (1982 vs 1991).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-17 Globemaster III or 208 Caravan?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h, a difference of 586 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-17 Globemaster III or 208 Caravan?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a longer range at 4,480 km compared to the 208 Caravan's 1,980 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-17 Globemaster III or 208 Caravan?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the 208 Caravan's 7,600 meters (24,934 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-17 Globemaster III or 208 Caravan?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the 208 Caravan's 3,970 kg.
Which is larger, the C-17 Globemaster III or 208 Caravan?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the 208 Caravan's 12.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-17 Globemaster III or 208 Caravan?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the 208 Caravan at $2.1 million.
Which entered service first, the C-17 Globemaster III or 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan entered service first in 1984, 9 years before the C-17 Globemaster III which entered service in 1993.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-17 Globemaster III or 208 Caravan?
The 208 Caravan has been produced in greater numbers with 3,000 units compared to 279 units of the C-17 Globemaster III.