Reach For The Stars

The C-141 Starlifter in Context 

- Richard Mason

Introduced to replace slower propeller driven cargo planes such as the C-124 Globe master II and C-133 Cargo master, the C-141 was designed to requirements set in 1960 and first flew in 1963. Production deliveries of an eventual 285 planes began in 1965. The aircraft remained in service for over forty years until the USAF withdrew the last C-141s from service in 2006, after replacing the airlifter with the C-17 Globe master III.

In the spring of 1960 the Air Force released Specific Operational Requirement 182, calling for a new aircraft that would be capable of performing both strategic and tactical airlift missions. The strategic role demanded that the aircraft be capable of missions with a radius of at least 3,500 nautical miles (6,500km) with a 60,000 pounds (27,000kg) load. The tactical role required it to be able to perform low altitude air drops of supplies, as well as carry and drop combat paratroops. Several companies responded to SOR 182, including Boeing, Lockheed and General Dynamics.