The Lockheed C-141A Starlifter is a military strategic airlifter, which was first flown in 1963. It was introduced to replace the slow piston-engine cargo planes of the 1960s. Longer by 23 feet and 4 inches than its predecessor, the B variant has a bigger payload capacity that meets military standards. It is also capable of in-flight refueling. The C-141 Starlifter was developed under the orders of former US president John F. Kennedy after his inauguration. President Kennedy remotely unveiled from the White House the first-ever Starlifter. By 1965, more than 200 planes were developed for the US Air Force and NASA. Since its introduction, the military airlift command has served the USAF for more than 40 years.
