A330 MRTT vs KC-10 Extender

Overview

The A330 MRTT and the KC-10 Extender are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and McDonnell Douglas respectively.

Top speed is 880 km/h for the A330 MRTT vs 866 km/h for the KC-10 Extender. The A330 MRTT has an operational range of 14,800 km vs 7,100 km for the KC-10 Extender. The A330 MRTT operates at altitudes up to 13,000 m compared to 13,000 m for the KC-10 Extender.

The A330 MRTT has been produced in 66 units vs 60 for the KC-10 Extender. Unit cost is $275M for the A330 MRTT vs $96M for the KC-10 Extender. The KC-10 Extender first flew 36 years before the A330 MRTT (1980 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 πŸ‡«πŸ‡· 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 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.
McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender Transport profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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 362.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 60.3 m β—‰
Height 17.4 m β—‰
Length 58.8 m β—‰
Maximum speed 880 km/h β—‰
Operational range 14,800 km β—‰
Service ceiling 13,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 233,000 kg β—‰
Empty weight 125,000 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 160 kN β—‰
Wing area 367.7 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 50.4 m β—‰
Height 17.7 m β—‰
Length 55.4 m β—‰
Maximum speed 866 km/h β—‰
Operational range 7,100 km β—‰
Service ceiling 13,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 267,619 kg β—‰
Empty weight 109,328 kg β—‰
Total thrust 3 x 78 kN β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A330 MRTT or KC-10 Extender?
The A330 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 880 km/h compared to the KC-10 Extender's 866 km/h, a difference of 14 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A330 MRTT or KC-10 Extender?
The A330 MRTT has a longer range at 14,800 km compared to the KC-10 Extender's 7,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the A330 MRTT or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the A330 MRTT's 13,000 meters (42,650 ft).
Which is heavier, the A330 MRTT or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 267,619 kg compared to the A330 MRTT's 233,000 kg.
Which is larger, the A330 MRTT or KC-10 Extender?
The A330 MRTT is longer at 58.8 meters compared to the KC-10 Extender's 55.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A330 MRTT or KC-10 Extender?
The A330 MRTT is more expensive at approximately $275 million per unit compared to the KC-10 Extender at $96 million.
Which entered service first, the A330 MRTT or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender entered service first in 1981, 30 years before the A330 MRTT which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A330 MRTT or KC-10 Extender?
The A330 MRTT has been produced in greater numbers with 66 units compared to 60 units of the KC-10 Extender.