Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs KC-135 Stratotanker
The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beriev and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 530 km/h for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has an operational range of 1,500 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 8,000 m for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 4.1x the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 36,000 kg. The Be-12 Tchaïka Mail has been produced in 150 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $10M for the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 4 years before the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail (1956 vs 1960).
| Soviet amphibious aircraft, operational in Cold War era, mainly in anti-submarine and maritime patrol roles. |
|
| Origin country |
🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
|
| Category |
Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer |
Beriev |
| First flight |
18 October 1960 |
| Year introduced |
1960 |
| Number produced |
150 units
|
| Average unit price |
$10 million
|
| American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions. |
|
| 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 |
29.8 m
◉
|
| Height |
9.1 m
◉
|
| Length |
26.5 m
◉
|
| Maximum speed |
530 km/h
◉
|
| Operational range |
1,500 km
◉
|
| Service ceiling |
8,000 m
◉
|
| Max. takeoff weight |
36,000 kg
◉
|
| Empty weight |
25,500 kg
◉
|
| Total thrust |
2 x 1,905 kW
◉
|
| 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
◉
|
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Which is faster, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 530 km/h, a difference of 403 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 1,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 8,000 meters (26,246 ft).
Which is heavier, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 36,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail's 26.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is more expensive at approximately $39 million per unit compared to the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail at $10 million.
Which entered service first, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 3 years before the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail which entered service in 1960.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 150 units of the Be-12 Tchaïka Mail.