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A-3 Skywarrior vs KC-135 Stratotanker

A-3 Skywarrior vs KC-135 Stratotanker at a glance — top speed 980 vs 933 km/h, range 4,667 vs 17,727 km, max takeoff weight 37,195 vs 146,283 kg, built 283 vs 803 units.

Douglas A-3 Skywarrior combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 A-3 SkywarriorFull specs
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 StratotankerFull specs
Specifications
A-3 Skywarrior KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas Boeing
First flight 28 October 1952 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1956 1957
Number produced 283 units 803 units
Average unit price -- $39 million
Wing area 75.4 m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 22.1 m 39.9 m
Height 6.9 m 12.7 m
Length 23.3 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 980 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 4,667 km 17,727 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 37,195 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 17,876 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,762 kgf 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A-3 Skywarrior or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A-3 Skywarrior is faster with a maximum speed of 980 km/h compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 933 km/h, a difference of 47 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A-3 Skywarrior or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer range at 17,727 km compared to the A-3 Skywarrior's 4,667 km.
Which can fly higher, the A-3 Skywarrior or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the A-3 Skywarrior's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the A-3 Skywarrior or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the A-3 Skywarrior's 37,195 kg.
Which is larger, the A-3 Skywarrior or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the A-3 Skywarrior's 23.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the A-3 Skywarrior or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A-3 Skywarrior entered service first in 1956, 1 years before the KC-135 Stratotanker which entered service in 1957.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A-3 Skywarrior or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 283 units of the A-3 Skywarrior.