AW609 vs KC-135 Stratotanker
The AW609 and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 509 km/h for the AW609 vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The AW609 has an operational range of 1,389 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 7,620 m for the AW609. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 18:1 the AW609's 8,200 kg. Unit cost is $25M for the AW609 vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 47 years before the AW609 (1956 vs 2003).
| Italian-American tiltrotor aircraft, designed for commercial and government purposes, with applications like search and rescue or offshore transport. | |
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| Origin country | 🇮🇹 Italy 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | AgustaWestland |
| First flight | 6 March 2003 |
| Year introduced | 2020 |
| Number produced | N/A |
| Average unit price | $25 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 | -- m² |
| Wingspan | 11.7 m â—‰ |
| Height | 5.1 m â—‰ |
| Length | 14.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 509 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 1,389 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 7,620 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 8,200 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 4,755 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 724 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 AW609 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the AW609's 509 km/h, a difference of 424 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW609 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the AW609's 1,389 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW609 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the AW609's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW609 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the AW609's 8,200 kg.
Which is larger, the AW609 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the AW609's 14.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW609 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is more expensive at approximately $39 million per unit compared to the AW609 at $25 million.
Which entered service first, the AW609 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 63 years before the AW609 which entered service in 2020.