C-17 Globemaster III vs PA-34 Seneca

The C-17 Globemaster III and the PA-34 Seneca are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas and Piper respectively. The C-17 Globemaster III reaches 930 km/h — 2.5x the PA-34 Seneca's 378 km/h. The C-17 Globemaster III has an operational range of 4,480 km vs 1,611 km for the PA-34 Seneca. The C-17 Globemaster III operates at altitudes up to 13,715 m compared to 7,620 m for the PA-34 Seneca. At 259,460 kg MTOW, the C-17 Globemaster III is 120:1 the PA-34 Seneca's 2,155 kg. The C-17 Globemaster III has been produced in 279 units vs 5,037 for the PA-34 Seneca. The PA-34 Seneca first flew 24 years before the C-17 Globemaster III (1967 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 twin-engined light aircraft, renowned for its versatility, extensively used for flight training and personal use since the 1970s.
Piper PA-34 Seneca Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 25 April 1967
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 5037 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 19.4 m²
Wingspan 11.9 m
Height 3.0 m
Length 8.7 m
Maximum speed 378 km/h
Operational range 1,611 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,155 kg
Empty weight 1,457 kg
Total thrust 2 x 164 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 378 km/h, a difference of 552 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a longer range at 4,480 km compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 1,611 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 259,460 kg compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 2,155 kg.
Which is larger, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-34 Seneca?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the PA-34 Seneca's 8.7 meters.
Which entered service first, the C-17 Globemaster III or PA-34 Seneca?
The PA-34 Seneca entered service first in 1971, 22 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-34 Seneca?
The PA-34 Seneca has been produced in greater numbers with 5,037 units compared to 279 units of the C-17 Globemaster III.