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Airbus A330 MRTT vs KC-135 Stratotanker

Airbus A330 MRTT military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇫🇷 Airbus A330 MRTT
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
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Specifications
Airbus A330 MRTT KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus Boeing
First flight 30 September 2016 31 August 1956
Year introduced 2011 1957
Number produced 66 units 803 units
Average unit price $275 million $39 million
Wing area 362.0 m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 60.3 m 39.9 m
Height 17.4 m 12.7 m
Length 58.8 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 880 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 14,800 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 13,000 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 233,000 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 125,000 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 2 x 320 kN 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Airbus A330 MRTT is a Military Transport Aircraft built by Airbus, while the KC-135 Stratotanker is a Military Special Mission Aircraft by Boeing.

Top speed is 880 km/h for the Airbus A330 MRTT vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The Airbus A330 MRTT has an operational range of 14,800 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 13,000 m for the Airbus A330 MRTT.

The Airbus A330 MRTT has been produced in 66 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $275M for the Airbus A330 MRTT vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 60 years before the Airbus A330 MRTT (1956 vs 2016).

Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the Airbus A330 MRTT's 880 km/h, a difference of 53 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Airbus A330 MRTT has a longer range at 14,800 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Airbus A330 MRTT's 13,000 meters (42,650 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Airbus A330 MRTT has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 233,000 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Airbus A330 MRTT is longer at 58.8 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Airbus A330 MRTT is more expensive at approximately $275 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 54 years before the Airbus A330 MRTT which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 66 units of the Airbus A330 MRTT.