Description:
The C-141 Starlifter was designed to meet the United States Air Force (USAF) requirements for a global range transport aircraft capable of carrying a wide range of payloads over long distances. The C-141A model achieved initial operational capability with the USAF in 1965. From 1963 through 1968 the USAF received 285 such aircraft. The C-141B features a stretched fuselage and was first delivered to the USAF in December 1979. In addition, C-141B also features higher cargo capacity as well as in-flight refueling capability. All C-141B were upgraded from existing A models with last conversion aircraft delivered in 1982. The C-141C aircraft features advanced avionics. Conversion to the C model started in 1997 and was complete in 2001.
The C-141 Starlifter strategic transport aircraft can carry and deliver military equipment, weaponry, troops, paratroopers and wounded while operating in extreme conditions. Air refueling increases the aircraft range and makes possible to conduct nonstop flights to anywhere on the globe. Four TF33-P-7 turbofan engines rated at 20,250 pounds each power this aircraft allowing to fly at Mach 0.74. Since its first flight in 1964 the C-141 has been deployed in many conflicts such as Vietnam and the Gulf War in 1990-1991 logging more than nine million flight hours carrying cargo and personnel.
In the 1990s the USAF began replacing the C-141 aircraft fleet by the more capable C-17 Globemaster III which better responds to the requirements for global transportation in the post cold war age. As of September 2005 between 10 and 20 C-141s are still in operational service with the Air Force Reserve which is expected to retire the last C-141 in the spring of 2006 putting an end to 41 years of C-141 prestigious history.
Specifications Accommodation: Crew 6, Passengers 200
Dimensions: Height 11.9 m, Length 51 m, Wingspan 48.7 m
Weights: Max Weight 147 t, Payload 31,000 kg (68,342 lb)
Engine/s Performance: Thrust 81,000 lb (36,742 kg)
United States of America