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Boeing 747 vs KC-135 Stratotanker

Boeing 747 vs KC-135 Stratotanker at a glance — top speed 1,014 vs 933 km/h, range 12,150 vs 2,400 km, max takeoff weight 377,842 vs 146,283 kg, built 1,574 vs 803 units.

Boeing 747 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Boeing 747
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
Specifications
Boeing 747 KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 9 February 1969 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1970 1957
Number produced 1574 units 803 units
Average unit price $285 million $39 million
Wing area 511.0 m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 59.6 m 39.9 m
Height 19.3 m 12.7 m
Length 70.6 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 1014 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 12,150 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 13,746 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 377,842 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 173,726 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 25,719 kgf 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Boeing 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Boeing 747 has a longer range at 12,150 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the Boeing 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Boeing 747's 13,746 meters (45,098 ft).
Which is heavier, the Boeing 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Boeing 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Boeing 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Boeing 747 is more expensive at approximately $285 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the Boeing 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 13 years before the Boeing 747 which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Boeing 747 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Boeing 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 803 units of the KC-135 Stratotanker.