Spotter’s guide
How to identify the C-141 Starlifter
- 01High swept wing with four podded jet engines
- 02Tall T-tail
- 03Long, narrow fuselage with an upswept cargo tail
- 04C-141B aircraft have a visibly stretched fuselage
Major variants
Notable operators
United States Air Force • NASA (one aircraft)
Why the C-141 Starlifter matters
The Starlifter transformed American military logistics from slower propeller transports to global jet-speed airlift and served through Vietnam, the Gulf War, and operations after 2001.
Related aircraft
Sources and further reading
Specifications can vary by model, engine, load, and configuration.