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C-141 Starlifter vs McDonnell Douglas DC-10

C-141 Starlifter vs McDonnell Douglas DC-10 at a glance — top speed 805 vs 1,052 km/h, range 4,723 vs 9,600 km, max takeoff weight 146,556 vs 263,083 kg, built 285 vs 386 units.

Lockheed C-141 Starlifter military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-141 Starlifter
McDonnell Douglas DC-10 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 McDonnell Douglas DC-10
Specifications
C-141 Starlifter McDonnell Douglas DC-10
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed McDonnell Douglas
First flight 17 December 1963 29 August 1970
Year introduced 1965 1971
Number produced 285 units 386 units
Average unit price $40 million $20 million
Wing area 300.0 m² 368.0 m²
Wingspan 49.0 m 50.4 m
Height 12.0 m 17.7 m
Length 51.3 m 55.5 m
Maximum speed 805 km/h 1052 km/h
Operational range 4,723 km 9,600 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m 12,802 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,556 kg 263,083 kg
Empty weight 65,540 kg 121,198 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,185 kgf 3 x 23,814 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-141 Starlifter or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 is faster with a maximum speed of 1,052 km/h compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 805 km/h, a difference of 247 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-141 Starlifter or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 has a longer range at 9,600 km compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 4,723 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-141 Starlifter or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 has a higher service ceiling at 12,802 meters (42,001 ft) compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 12,497 meters (41,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-141 Starlifter or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 263,083 kg compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 146,556 kg.
Which is larger, the C-141 Starlifter or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 is longer at 55.5 meters compared to the C-141 Starlifter's 51.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-141 Starlifter or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The C-141 Starlifter is more expensive at approximately $40 million per unit compared to the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 at $20 million.
Which entered service first, the C-141 Starlifter or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The C-141 Starlifter entered service first in 1965, 6 years before the McDonnell Douglas DC-10 which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-141 Starlifter or McDonnell Douglas DC-10?
The McDonnell Douglas DC-10 has been produced in greater numbers with 386 units compared to 285 units of the C-141 Starlifter.