Lockheed C-141 Starlifter

The strategic jet airlifter that modernized military transport.

Overview

Lockheed Martin United States ICAO: C141 1963–1968 $8.1 million (1992)

The Lockheed C-141 Starlifter was developed as a jet-powered strategic transport for the U.S. Air Force. Entering service in the 1960s, it provided rapid intercontinental airlift capability. The aircraft replaced slower piston-powered transports.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Pratt & Whitney TF33-P-7
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
4 × 20,250 lbf · 90 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
6
Crew
—
Cabin width
10 ft 3 in  ·  3.12 m
Cabin height
9 ft 1 in  ·  2.76 m
Cabin length
93 ft 2 in  ·  28.40 m
Exterior length
168 ft 4 in  ·  51.30 m
Tail height
39 ft 7 in  ·  12.07 m
Fuselage diameter
14 ft 9 in  ·  4.50 m
Wing span
160 ft 1 in  ·  48.80 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
324,000 lb  ·  147,000 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
91,000 lb  ·  41,200 kg
Fuel capacity
24,000 gal · 90,800 L · 72,700 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
493 kt  ·  567 mph  ·  913 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
120 kt  ·  138 mph  ·  222 km/h
Range
2,550 nm  ·  2,930 mi  ·  4,720 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
41,000 ft  ·  12,500 m
Rate of climb
2,600 ft/min  ·  13 m/s
Takeoff distance
5,650 ft  ·  1,720 m
Landing distance
4,000 ft  ·  1,220 m
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The C 141 Hanoi Taxi performs a fly by.

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Operational Context

Lockheed C-141 Starlifter — strategic jet transport aircraft

The C-141 first flew in 1963 and entered service in 1965. It featured a high-wing configuration and rear cargo ramp optimized for military transport. The aircraft was designed to move troops and equipment over long distances quickly.

Powered by four Pratt & Whitney TF33 turbofan engines producing approximately 21,000 pounds of thrust (93 kN) each, the C-141 cruised at around 460 knots (852 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 320,000 pounds (145,150 kg). Later C-141B variants featured increased fuselage length and in-flight refueling capability.

The Starlifter served extensively in Vietnam and other global operations. It was gradually replaced by larger transports such as the C-17. The aircraft marked a transition to jet-powered strategic airlift.