C-141 Starlifter

By Lockheed Martin



Recognizing the U. S. military’s global reach, President Kennedy ordered the development of an all-jet transport to support this global reach directly following his inauguration. Lockheed’s C-141B was the first jet aircraft designed to meet standards for both troop and cargo delivery. With a top speed of 500 mph and a range of 2,500 miles, the C-141B could airdrop and ground-deliver troops, equipment and supplies, worldwide. Delivery is facilitated with its paratroop doors on each side and rear loading ramp. The C-141B could airlift troops, combat support equipment, fully assembled missiles and could also serve for medical evacuation of patients. The C-141B was the first aircraft designed to be compatible with the container delivery system. This system could off-load 68,000 pounds of cargo, refuel and reload a full load, in less than an hour. This allows for longer non-stop flights, the universal air refueling receptacle allow for the transfer of 23,592 gallons of fuel in about 26 minutes.

During Desert Storm the C-141 was the first American aircraft into Saudi Arabia and during the following year, it completed 7,047 airlift missions, transporting 41,400 passengers and 139,000 tons of cargo.

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