A321 vs KC-10 Extender
Overview
The A321 and the KC-10 Extender are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and McDonnell Douglas respectively.
Top speed is 871 km/h for the A321 vs 866 km/h for the KC-10 Extender. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 7,100 km for the KC-10 Extender. The KC-10 Extender operates at altitudes up to 13,000 m compared to 12,000 m for the A321. At 267,619 kg MTOW, the KC-10 Extender is 3.4x the A321's 78,000 kg.
The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 60 for the KC-10 Extender. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $96M for the KC-10 Extender. The KC-10 Extender first flew 7 years before the A321 (1980 vs 1987).
| European narrow-body commercial passenger jet, recognized for global use since 1990s, employed extensively by major airlines. | |
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| Origin country | 🇪🇺 Europe |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| First flight | 27 February 1987 |
| Year introduced | 1994 |
| Number produced | 2917 units |
| Average unit price | $120 million |
| American tanker and cargo aircraft, developed from the DC-10 airliner in the late 20th century, operated by the United States Air Force and the Royal Netherlands Air Force for aerial refueling and transport. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas |
| First flight | 1 July 1980 |
| Year introduced | 1981 |
| Number produced | 60 units |
| Average unit price | $96 million |
| Wing area | 122.6 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 34.1 m ◉ |
| Height | 11.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 37.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 871 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,930 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 78,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 42,600 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 5,670 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 367.7 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 17.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 55.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 866 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 7,100 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 13,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 267,619 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 109,328 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 3 x 78 kN ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The 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 A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a longer range at 7,100 km compared to the A321's 5,930 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the A321's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 267,619 kg compared to the A321's 78,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender is longer at 55.4 meters compared to the A321's 37.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the KC-10 Extender at $96 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender entered service first in 1981, 13 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or KC-10 Extender?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 60 units of the KC-10 Extender.