DC-3 vs VC-25 "Air Force One"

The DC-3 and the VC-25 "Air Force One" are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Douglas and Boeing respectively. The VC-25 "Air Force One" reaches 1,014 km/h — 2.5x the DC-3's 413 km/h. The DC-3 has an operational range of 2,540 km vs 12,600 km for the VC-25 "Air Force One". The VC-25 "Air Force One" operates at altitudes up to 13,746 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 377,842 kg MTOW, the VC-25 "Air Force One" is 29:1 the DC-3's 13,154 kg. The DC-3 has been produced in 10,174 units vs 2 for the VC-25 "Air Force One". Unit cost is $0.08M for the DC-3 vs $325M for the VC-25 "Air Force One". The DC-3 first flew 48 years before the VC-25 "Air Force One" (1941 vs 1989).

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
American presidential transport aircraft, deployed since the mid-1980s, known for brass-bound luxury and sophisticated communications.
Boeing VC-25 "Air Force One" Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 1 September 1989
Year introduced 1990
Number produced 2 units
Average unit price $325 million
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
Wing area 511.0 m²
Wingspan 59.6 m
Height 19.3 m
Length 70.6 m
Maximum speed 1014 km/h
Operational range 12,600 km
Service ceiling 13,746 m
Max. takeoff weight 377,842 kg
Empty weight 173,726 kg
Total thrust 4 x 6,430 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DC-3 or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The VC-25 "Air Force One" is faster with a maximum speed of 1,014 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 601 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DC-3 or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The VC-25 "Air Force One" has a longer range at 12,600 km compared to the DC-3's 2,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the DC-3 or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The VC-25 "Air Force One" has a higher service ceiling at 13,746 meters (45,098 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the DC-3 or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The VC-25 "Air Force One" has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 377,842 kg compared to the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
Which is larger, the DC-3 or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The VC-25 "Air Force One" is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the DC-3's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DC-3 or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The VC-25 "Air Force One" is more expensive at approximately $325 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the DC-3 or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 54 years before the VC-25 "Air Force One" which entered service in 1990.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DC-3 or VC-25 "Air Force One"?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 2 units of the VC-25 "Air Force One".