747 vs KC-135 Stratotanker
The 747 and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 1,014 km/h for the 747 vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The 747 has an operational range of 12,150 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 13,746 m for the 747. At 377,842 kg MTOW, the 747 is 2.6x the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg. The 747 has been produced in 1,574 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $285M for the 747 vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 13 years before the 747 (1956 vs 1969).
| American wide-body commercial jet airliner, conceived in the 1960s and renowned for transcontinental and transatlantic flights. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 9 February 1969 |
| Year introduced | 1970 |
| Number produced | 1574 units |
| Average unit price | $285 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 | 511.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 59.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 19.3 m â—‰ |
| Length | 70.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1014 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 12,150 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 13,746 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 377,842 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 173,726 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 25,719 kgf 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 9,813 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The 747 is faster with a maximum speed of 1,014 km/h compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 933 km/h, a difference of 81 km/h.
Which has longer range, the 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The 747 has a longer range at 12,150 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the 747's 13,746 meters (45,098 ft).
Which is heavier, the 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The 747 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 377,842 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The 747 is more expensive at approximately $285 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 13 years before the 747 which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 803 units of the KC-135 Stratotanker.