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Airbus A321 vs KC-10 Extender

Airbus A321 vs KC-10 Extender at a glance — top speed 871 vs 866 km/h, range 5,930 vs 7,100 km, max takeoff weight 78,000 vs 267,619 kg, built 2,917 vs 60 units.

Airbus A321 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 Airbus A321
McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-10 Extender
Specifications
Airbus A321 KC-10 Extender
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus McDonnell Douglas
First flight 27 February 1987 1 July 1980
Year introduced 1994 1981
Number produced 2917 units 60 units
Average unit price $120 million $96 million
Wing area 122.6 m² 367.7 m²
Wingspan 34.1 m 50.4 m
Height 11.8 m 17.7 m
Length 37.6 m 55.4 m
Maximum speed 871 km/h 866 km/h
Operational range 5,930 km 7,100 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m 13,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 78,000 kg 267,619 kg
Empty weight 42,600 kg 109,328 kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,340 kgf 3 x 234 kN
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The Airbus A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the KC-10 Extender's 866 km/h, a difference of 5 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a longer range at 7,100 km compared to the Airbus A321's 5,930 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the Airbus A321's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 267,619 kg compared to the Airbus A321's 78,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender is longer at 55.4 meters compared to the Airbus A321's 37.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Airbus A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The Airbus A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the KC-10 Extender at $96 million.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender entered service first in 1981, 13 years before the Airbus A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The Airbus A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 60 units of the KC-10 Extender.