During World War II, the need for military transports prompted the modification of bombers with varying degrees of success, yet ships remained the means for moving armies overseas. As the Cold War verged into the early 1960s, some American military planners realized the need for rapid deployment of military assets to trouble spots around the world, since not all threats could be countered with a nuclear deterrent. Airlift would be a key, but old reliable transports like the piston-engine C-124 Globemaster II were too slow for the task.Using generally proven components, Lockheed's swept-wing C-141 confirmed for the U.S. Air Force the promise of a global airlift. With the Starlifter, cargo and troops could be airlifted intercontinentally at three-quarters the speed of sound. From the 1960s to the 21st century, C-141s have been a trusted transporter of everything from troops and helicopters to returned hostages and presidential limousines. Lockheed C-141 Starlifter includes an account of the circumstances that led to the C-141, its design and structural details, flight characteristics, and development from C-141A to C-141B, and finally to C-141C.
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
Review
Modeling Madness, June 2005, reviewed by Scott Van Aken
"When you look at the combination of interesting writing, excellent photographs, a logical presentation, and a really decent price, this is a book that you really should buy."
"When you look at the combination of interesting writing, excellent photographs, a logical presentation, and a really decent price, this is a book that you really should buy."
Internet Modeler, August 2005, reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl
"Like other Warbird Tech titles, this book provides a careful balance between the development and construction of the C-141 and the operational record. In addition to the well written text, this book is packed with some great photos covering the entire life of the Starlifter."
"Like other Warbird Tech titles, this book provides a careful balance between the development and construction of the C-141 and the operational record. In addition to the well written text, this book is packed with some great photos covering the entire life of the Starlifter."
Hyperscale, August 2005, reviewed by Ken Bowes
"A glance through the contents highlights that there will be something to be found for everyone in this volume from origins to technical description, colors and markings to flying the aircraft. Of particular interest is the chapter entitled “What Might Have Been” which details such design proposals as an air defence missile launcher (in essence and airborne SAM system), conventional bomber carrying 54 000lbs of bombs, air to air refuelling tanker to replace the KC-130 and AEW&C platform amongst others. The eight pages of color also provide some tantalising modelling subjects including desert camouflage trials and the ghost gray trials scheme of the late 1970’s reminiscent of the current day USMC KC-130. This Warbird Tech Volume is a very detailed look at the history and employment of the type, with numerous color and black and white photographs coupled with drawings useful to the modeller. It will prove a very useful volume for anyone who wishes to build a replica of the C-141, although unfortunately unless the tigers of the Far East come to our rescue some time soon, the various kits available have shortcomings in terms of age, scale or accuracy."
"A glance through the contents highlights that there will be something to be found for everyone in this volume from origins to technical description, colors and markings to flying the aircraft. Of particular interest is the chapter entitled “What Might Have Been” which details such design proposals as an air defence missile launcher (in essence and airborne SAM system), conventional bomber carrying 54 000lbs of bombs, air to air refuelling tanker to replace the KC-130 and AEW&C platform amongst others. The eight pages of color also provide some tantalising modelling subjects including desert camouflage trials and the ghost gray trials scheme of the late 1970’s reminiscent of the current day USMC KC-130. This Warbird Tech Volume is a very detailed look at the history and employment of the type, with numerous color and black and white photographs coupled with drawings useful to the modeller. It will prove a very useful volume for anyone who wishes to build a replica of the C-141, although unfortunately unless the tigers of the Far East come to our rescue some time soon, the various kits available have shortcomings in terms of age, scale or accuracy."
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
C-141 -- Greatest Airlifter EVER!,
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Lockheed C-141 Starlifter - Warbird Tech Vol. 39 (Paperback)
This book is full of information any C-141 nut will really appreciate. I was a C-141 pilot when I was in the AF and recognize a number of the names Mr. Johnsen mentions in the book. Though the book is a bit tilted towards the 62nd MAW and McChord experience (where I flew) it does not distract from the story of the C-141! That's the real story of this book and it is a great one.
Sadly, as of 9/1/2005 there are only 10 C-141's still flying. They are all based at Wright-Patterson and flying medivac missions to Iraq. As of today (9/1) they are flying missions to the New Orleans area, doing what C-141's do best. The remaining 10 C-141's will be retired by January 2006. The sad end of the road for this fantastic aircraft is here in Tucson, where I live and see the carnage every time I drive by the boneyard. But you can check out more info about the C-141 at www.c141heaven.com, where the C-141 will live on forever.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
From the First to the Last,
By
This review is from: Lockheed C-141 Starlifter - Warbird Tech Vol. 39 (Paperback)
This is the story of the C-141 Starlifter litterally from the first to the last. The book starts with some background information about transport aircraft in general with some photographs of the Douglas C-124 Globemaster flying in formation with a C-141. From here it goes through the procurement process to the construction of the first aircraft. Then towards the end of the book there is a photograph of a C-141 having been chopped into several parts at the Aircraft Maintenance and Regeration center (AMARC) in Tucson, Arizona.
In between is the story of the C-141 itself. The story includes all versions of the C-141, including the single commercial aircraft constructed and variations that were proposed by Lockeed to the Air Force. The implication in the book is that the C-141 was itself successful. One question I would like to ask is: 'why were the commercial aircraft and the optional tanker, etc. aircraft types not successful.' What was better about the DC-10 to make it a better tanker than a modified C-141? In 1994 the Air Force determined that flying C-141's bast the equivalent of 45,000 hours could jeoparize the design's inherent fail-safe features because of the onset of widespread fatigue. At that time, the C-141's began to be rapidly replaced by the C-17. As of June 1944 63 C-141's remain, 24 of which are in active use. Finally at the end of the book is a list of the 19 aircraft that were lost to accidents and crashes, and a list of the places where preserved aircraft can be seen.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best,
By Elizabeth K (New Orleans) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Lockheed C-141 Starlifter - Warbird Tech Vol. 39 (Paperback)
I bought two books on the C141 as gifts - for a Loadsmasher Vietnam Veteran who flew in these monsters. This was the best. Very accurate and Detailed.
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