A330 MRTT vs KC-135 Stratotanker
Overview
The 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 A330 MRTT vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The 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 A330 MRTT.
The A330 MRTT has been produced in 66 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $275M for the A330 MRTT vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 60 years before the A330 MRTT (1956 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. | |
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| 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 refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 31 August 1956 |
| Year introduced | 1957 |
| Number produced | 803 units |
| Average unit price | $39 million |
| 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 160 kN ◉ |
| Wing area | 226.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m ◉ |
| Height | 12.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 41.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 933 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,400 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 146,283 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 44,663 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,453 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the A330 MRTT's 880 km/h, a difference of 53 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The 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 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 A330 MRTT's 13,000 meters (42,650 ft).
Which is heavier, the A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The 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 A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A330 MRTT is longer at 58.8 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The 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 A330 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 54 years before the A330 MRTT which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the 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 A330 MRTT.