C-17 Globemaster III vs DC-3

Overview

The C-17 Globemaster III and the DC-3 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Douglas respectively.

The C-17 Globemaster III reaches 930 km/h — 2.3x the DC-3's 413 km/h. The C-17 Globemaster III has an operational range of 4,480 km vs 2,540 km for the DC-3. The C-17 Globemaster III operates at altitudes up to 13,715 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 259,460 kg MTOW, the C-17 Globemaster III is 20:1 the DC-3's 13,154 kg.

The C-17 Globemaster III has been produced in 279 units vs 10,174 for the DC-3. Unit cost is $340M for the C-17 Globemaster III vs $0.08M for the DC-3. The DC-3 first flew 50 years before the C-17 Globemaster III (1941 vs 1991).

C-17 Globemaster III

American military transport aircraft, extensively deployed in global conflict zones since the 1990s for strategic airlift missions.
McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 15 September 1991
Year introduced 1993
Number produced 279 units
Average unit price $340 million
→ View full C-17 Globemaster III details

DC-3

American commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport.
Douglas DC-3 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas
First flight 23 December 1941
Year introduced 1936
Number produced 10174 units
Average unit price $80K
→ View full DC-3 details

C-17 Globemaster III

Wing area 353.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 51.8 m ◉
Height 16.8 m ◉
Length 53.0 m ◉
Maximum speed 930 km/h ◉
Operational range 4,480 km ◉
Service ceiling 13,715 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 259,460 kg ◉
Empty weight 122,000 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 4,727 kgf ◉

DC-3

Wing area 91.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.0 m ◉
Height 5.6 m ◉
Length 22.7 m ◉
Maximum speed 413 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,540 km ◉
Service ceiling 7,071 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg ◉
Empty weight 6,450 kg ◉
Total thrust 3 x 292 kW ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-17 Globemaster III or DC-3?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 517 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-17 Globemaster III or DC-3?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a longer range at 4,480 km compared to the DC-3's 2,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-17 Globemaster III or DC-3?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-17 Globemaster III or DC-3?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
Which is larger, the C-17 Globemaster III or DC-3?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the DC-3's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-17 Globemaster III or DC-3?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the C-17 Globemaster III or DC-3?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 57 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 DC-3?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 279 units of the C-17 Globemaster III.

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