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Airbus A310 MRTT vs KJ-500

Airbus A310 MRTT military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 Airbus A310 MRTT
Shaanxi KJ-500 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 KJ-500
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Airbus A310 MRTT KJ-500
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus Shaanxi
First flight 1 December 2003 --
Year introduced 2004 2018
Number produced 6 units 60 units
Average unit price $108 million --
Wing area 219.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 43.9 m -- m
Height 15.8 m -- m
Length 47.5 m -- m
Maximum speed 978 km/h 550 km/h
Operational range 8,889 km 5,700 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m -- m
Max. takeoff weight 163,998 kg 77,000 kg
Empty weight 113,999 kg -- kg
Total thrust 2 x 27,306 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Airbus A310 MRTT and the KJ-500 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Shaanxi respectively.

Top speed is 978 km/h for the Airbus A310 MRTT vs 550 km/h for the KJ-500. The Airbus A310 MRTT has an operational range of 8,889 km vs 5,700 km for the KJ-500. At 163,998 kg MTOW, the Airbus A310 MRTT is 2.1x the KJ-500's 77,000 kg.

The Airbus A310 MRTT has been produced in 6 units vs 60 for the KJ-500.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KJ-500?
The Airbus A310 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 978 km/h compared to the KJ-500's 550 km/h, a difference of 428 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KJ-500?
The Airbus A310 MRTT has a longer range at 8,889 km compared to the KJ-500's 5,700 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KJ-500?
The Airbus A310 MRTT has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the KJ-500's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KJ-500?
The Airbus A310 MRTT has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 163,998 kg compared to the KJ-500's 77,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KJ-500?
The Airbus A310 MRTT is longer at 47.5 meters compared to the KJ-500's 0.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KJ-500?
The Airbus A310 MRTT entered service first in 2004, 14 years before the KJ-500 which entered service in 2018.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A310 MRTT or KJ-500?
The KJ-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 60 units compared to 6 units of the Airbus A310 MRTT.