A330 MRTT vs DC-3

The A330 MRTT and the DC-3 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Douglas respectively. The A330 MRTT reaches 880 km/h — 2.1x the DC-3's 413 km/h. The A330 MRTT has an operational range of 14,800 km vs 2,540 km for the DC-3. The A330 MRTT operates at altitudes up to 13,000 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 233,000 kg MTOW, the A330 MRTT is 18:1 the DC-3's 13,154 kg. The A330 MRTT has been produced in 66 units vs 10,174 for the DC-3. Unit cost is $275M for the A330 MRTT vs $0.08M for the DC-3. The DC-3 first flew 75 years before the A330 MRTT (1941 vs 2016).

European aerial refueling and military transport aircraft, developed in the early 21st century, extensively used for global logistics and in-flight refueling operations.
Airbus A330 MRTT Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 30 September 2016
Year introduced 2011
Number produced 66 units
Average unit price $275 million
American commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport.
Douglas DC-3 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas
First flight 23 December 1941
Year introduced 1936
Number produced 10174 units
Average unit price $80K
Wing area 362.0 m²
Wingspan 60.3 m
Height 17.4 m
Length 58.8 m
Maximum speed 880 km/h
Operational range 14,800 km
Service ceiling 13,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 233,000 kg
Empty weight 125,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 320 kN
Wing area 91.7 m²
Wingspan 29.0 m
Height 5.6 m
Length 22.7 m
Maximum speed 413 km/h
Operational range 2,540 km
Service ceiling 7,071 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg
Empty weight 6,450 kg
Total thrust 3 x 875 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A330 MRTT or DC-3?
The A330 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 880 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 467 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A330 MRTT or DC-3?
The A330 MRTT has a longer range at 14,800 km compared to the DC-3's 2,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the A330 MRTT or DC-3?
The A330 MRTT has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the A330 MRTT or DC-3?
The A330 MRTT has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 233,000 kg compared to the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
Which is larger, the A330 MRTT or DC-3?
The A330 MRTT is longer at 58.8 meters compared to the DC-3's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A330 MRTT or DC-3?
The A330 MRTT is more expensive at approximately $275 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the A330 MRTT or DC-3?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 75 years before the A330 MRTT which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A330 MRTT or DC-3?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 66 units of the A330 MRTT.