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Airbus A310 MRTT vs P-8 Poseidon

Airbus A310 MRTT military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 Airbus A310 MRTT
Boeing P-8 Poseidon military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 P-8 Poseidon
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Specifications
Airbus A310 MRTT P-8 Poseidon
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus Boeing
First flight 1 December 2003 25 April 2009
Year introduced 2004 2013
Number produced 6 units 187 units
Average unit price $108 million $150 million
Wing area 219.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 43.9 m 37.6 m
Height 15.8 m 12.8 m
Length 47.5 m 39.5 m
Maximum speed 978 km/h 907 km/h
Operational range 8,889 km 2,225 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m 12,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 163,998 kg 85,820 kg
Empty weight 113,999 kg 62,730 kg
Total thrust 2 x 27,306 kgf 2 x 121 kN
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Airbus A310 MRTT and the P-8 Poseidon are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 978 km/h for the Airbus A310 MRTT vs 907 km/h for the P-8 Poseidon. The Airbus A310 MRTT has an operational range of 8,889 km vs 2,225 km for the P-8 Poseidon. The P-8 Poseidon operates at altitudes up to 12,500 m compared to 12,497 m for the Airbus A310 MRTT.

The Airbus A310 MRTT has been produced in 6 units vs 187 for the P-8 Poseidon. Unit cost is $108M for the Airbus A310 MRTT vs $150M for the P-8 Poseidon. The Airbus A310 MRTT first flew 6 years before the P-8 Poseidon (2003 vs 2009).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A310 MRTT or P-8 Poseidon?
The Airbus A310 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 978 km/h compared to the P-8 Poseidon's 907 km/h, a difference of 71 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A310 MRTT or P-8 Poseidon?
The Airbus A310 MRTT has a longer range at 8,889 km compared to the P-8 Poseidon's 2,225 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A310 MRTT or P-8 Poseidon?
The P-8 Poseidon has a higher service ceiling at 12,500 meters (41,010 ft) compared to the Airbus A310 MRTT's 12,497 meters (41,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A310 MRTT or P-8 Poseidon?
The Airbus A310 MRTT has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 163,998 kg compared to the P-8 Poseidon's 85,820 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A310 MRTT or P-8 Poseidon?
The Airbus A310 MRTT is longer at 47.5 meters compared to the P-8 Poseidon's 39.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Airbus A310 MRTT or P-8 Poseidon?
The P-8 Poseidon is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the Airbus A310 MRTT at $108 million.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A310 MRTT or P-8 Poseidon?
The Airbus A310 MRTT entered service first in 2004, 9 years before the P-8 Poseidon which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A310 MRTT or P-8 Poseidon?
The P-8 Poseidon has been produced in greater numbers with 187 units compared to 6 units of the Airbus A310 MRTT.