C-17 Globemaster III vs PA-31 Navajo

The C-17 Globemaster III and the PA-31 Navajo are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Piper respectively. The C-17 Globemaster III reaches 930 km/h — 2.2x the PA-31 Navajo's 420 km/h. The C-17 Globemaster III has an operational range of 4,480 km vs 1,875 km for the PA-31 Navajo. The C-17 Globemaster III operates at altitudes up to 13,715 m compared to 8,016 m for the PA-31 Navajo. At 259,460 kg MTOW, the C-17 Globemaster III is 88:1 the PA-31 Navajo's 2,948 kg. The C-17 Globemaster III has been produced in 279 units vs 3,942 for the PA-31 Navajo. The PA-31 Navajo first flew 27 years before the C-17 Globemaster III (1964 vs 1991).

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
American light, twin-engined aircraft, used extensively for air taxi, flight training, and personal use during the late 20th century.
Piper PA-31 Navajo Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 30 September 1964
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 3942 units
Average unit price $-- million
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 18,909 kgf
Wing area 21.0 m²
Wingspan 12.4 m
Height 4.0 m
Length 9.9 m
Maximum speed 420 km/h
Operational range 1,875 km
Service ceiling 8,016 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,948 kg
Empty weight 1,783 kg
Total thrust 2 x 231 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-31 Navajo?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 420 km/h, a difference of 510 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-31 Navajo?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a longer range at 4,480 km compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 1,875 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-31 Navajo?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 8,016 meters (26,299 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-31 Navajo?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 2,948 kg.
Which is larger, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-31 Navajo?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 9.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-31 Navajo?
The PA-31 Navajo entered service first in 1967, 26 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 PA-31 Navajo?
The PA-31 Navajo has been produced in greater numbers with 3,942 units compared to 279 units of the C-17 Globemaster III.