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C-17 Globemaster III vs KC-46 Pegasus

C-17 Globemaster III vs KC-46 Pegasus at a glance — top speed 930 vs 914 km/h, range 11,540 vs 11,830 km, max takeoff weight 265,352 vs 188,240 kg, built 279 vs 108 units.

McDonnell Douglas C-17 Globemaster III military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 C-17 Globemaster IIIFull specs
Boeing KC-46 Pegasus military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-46 PegasusFull specs
Specifications
C-17 Globemaster III KC-46 Pegasus
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Boeing
First flight 15 September 1991 28 December 2014
Year introduced 1993 2019
Number produced 279 units 108 units
Average unit price $340 million $287 million
Wing area 353.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 51.8 m 48.1 m
Height 16.8 m 15.9 m
Length 53.0 m 50.5 m
Maximum speed 930 km/h 914 km/h
Operational range 11,540 km 11,830 km
Service ceiling 13,715 m 12,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 265,352 kg 188,240 kg
Empty weight 128,140 kg 82,377 kg
Total thrust 4 x 18,344 kgf 2 x 280 kN
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the C-17 Globemaster III or KC-46 Pegasus?
The C-17 Globemaster III is faster with a maximum speed of 930 km/h compared to the KC-46 Pegasus's 914 km/h, a difference of 16 km/h.
Which has longer range, the C-17 Globemaster III or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has a longer range at 11,830 km compared to the C-17 Globemaster III's 11,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the C-17 Globemaster III or KC-46 Pegasus?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher service ceiling at 13,715 meters (44,996 ft) compared to the KC-46 Pegasus's 12,200 meters (40,026 ft).
Which is heavier, the C-17 Globemaster III or KC-46 Pegasus?
The C-17 Globemaster III has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 265,352 kg compared to the KC-46 Pegasus's 188,240 kg.
Which is larger, the C-17 Globemaster III or KC-46 Pegasus?
The C-17 Globemaster III is longer at 53.0 meters compared to the KC-46 Pegasus's 50.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the C-17 Globemaster III or KC-46 Pegasus?
The C-17 Globemaster III is more expensive at approximately $340 million per unit compared to the KC-46 Pegasus at $287 million.
Which entered service first, the C-17 Globemaster III or KC-46 Pegasus?
The C-17 Globemaster III entered service first in 1993, 26 years before the KC-46 Pegasus which entered service in 2019.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the C-17 Globemaster III or KC-46 Pegasus?
The C-17 Globemaster III has been produced in greater numbers with 279 units compared to 108 units of the KC-46 Pegasus.