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Be-12 Tchaïka Mail vs KC-135 Stratotanker

Beriev Be-12 Tchaïka Mail military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Be-12 Tchaïka Mail
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
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Specifications
Be-12 Tchaïka Mail KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beriev Boeing
First flight 18 October 1960 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1960 1957
Number produced 150 units 803 units
Average unit price $10 million $39 million
Wing area -- m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 29.8 m 39.9 m
Height 9.1 m 12.7 m
Length 26.5 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 530 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 1,500 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 8,000 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 36,000 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 25,500 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,810 kW 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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 4.1:1 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).

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.