ATL-2 Atlantique vs KC-135 Stratotanker

The ATL-2 Atlantique and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Breguet Aviation and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 648 km/h for the ATL-2 Atlantique vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The ATL-2 Atlantique has an operational range of 7,964 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 9,150 m for the ATL-2 Atlantique. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 3.2x the ATL-2 Atlantique's 46,200 kg. The ATL-2 Atlantique has been produced in 215 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $85M for the ATL-2 Atlantique vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 25 years before the ATL-2 Atlantique (1956 vs 1981).

French maritime patrol aircraft, operational since the late 20th century, primarily deployed for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance.
Breguet Aviation ATL-2 Atlantique Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Breguet Aviation
First flight 8 May 1981
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 215 units
Average unit price $85 million
American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions.
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker Other profile drawing
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 120.3 m² ◉
Wingspan 37.5 m â—‰
Height 11.3 m â—‰
Length 31.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 648 km/h â—‰
Operational range 7,964 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,150 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 46,200 kg â—‰
Empty weight 25,300 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 2,275 kW â—‰
Wing area 226.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 39.9 m â—‰
Height 12.7 m â—‰
Length 41.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 933 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,400 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 146,283 kg â—‰
Empty weight 44,663 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 2,453 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the ATL-2 Atlantique or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the ATL-2 Atlantique's 648 km/h, a difference of 285 km/h.
Which has longer range, the ATL-2 Atlantique or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The ATL-2 Atlantique has a longer range at 7,964 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the ATL-2 Atlantique or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the ATL-2 Atlantique's 9,150 meters (30,019 ft).
Which is heavier, the ATL-2 Atlantique or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the ATL-2 Atlantique's 46,200 kg.
Which is larger, the ATL-2 Atlantique or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the ATL-2 Atlantique's 31.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the ATL-2 Atlantique or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The ATL-2 Atlantique is more expensive at approximately $85 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the ATL-2 Atlantique or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 8 years before the ATL-2 Atlantique which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the ATL-2 Atlantique or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 215 units of the ATL-2 Atlantique.