Lockheed C-141 Starlifter
Summary
| Category | Transport aircraft |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| First flight | 17 December 1963 |
| Year of introduction | 1965 |
| Number produced | 285 units |
| Average unit price | $40 million |
Description
The C-141 Starlifter was designed for strategic transportation of troops and equipment over long distances. It is also used for special operations and casualty evacuation. Building on the experience gained from the C-130 Hercules, Lockheed engineers designed the first jet-powered aircraft of its kind, giving it high speed and the ability to carry a significant payload over long distances. The C-141 features a long fuselage with a rear loading ramp and two side doors for airborne troop drop. It has high wings, tilted at a 25-degree angle, allowing for high cruising speed.
Soon after the C-141A Starlifter entered service, it was realized that its fuselage was too narrow to fully utilize its 32,100 kg payload capacity. The fuselage of the C-141B version was therefore lengthened by 7.16 meters, increasing the payload capacity to 41,200 kg. A receptacle for air-to-air refueling was also added to this version. Some C-141 Starlifters were also converted to the C-141C version, which included a few avionics improvements.
Although heavy equipment is generally transported by the C-5 Galaxy, the C-141 is capable of carrying a Sheridan tank, an AH-1 Cobra helicopter, or 5 HMMWV all-terrain vehicles. The Starlifter, of which 284 were built, is now reaching the end of its service life.
Technical specifications
| Version: C-141B | |
|---|---|
| Crew | 4 members |
| Operational range | 10300 km (6400 mi) |
| Maximum speed | 805 km/h (500 mph) |
| Wing area | 300 m² (3229.2 sqft) |
| Wingspan | 49 m (160.8 ft) |
| Height | 12.0 m (39.3 ft) |
| Length | 51.3 m (168.4 ft) |
| Service ceiling | 12497 m (41001 ft) |
| Empty weight | 65540 kg (144491 lbs) |
| Max. takeoff weight | 146556 kg (323100 lbs) |
| Climb rate | 13.2 m/s (43.3 ft/s) |
| Powerplant | 4 × turbojets Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-7 delivering 9185 kgp |
Current operating countries
No country is operating the C-141 Starlifter in 2024.
All operators
Photo of C-141 Starlifter
