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421 Golden Eagle vs KC-10 Extender

Cessna 421 Golden Eagle military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 421 Golden Eagle
McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-10 Extender
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Specifications
421 Golden Eagle KC-10 Extender
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Cessna McDonnell Douglas
First flight 14 October 1965 1 July 1980
Year introduced 1968 1981
Number produced 1916 units 60 units
Average unit price $500K $96 million
Wing area 20.0 m² 367.7 m²
Wingspan 12.5 m 50.4 m
Height 3.5 m 17.7 m
Length 11.1 m 55.4 m
Maximum speed 474 km/h 866 km/h
Operational range 2,754 km 7,100 km
Service ceiling 9,205 m 13,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,379 kg 267,619 kg
Empty weight 2,042 kg 109,328 kg
Total thrust 2 x 140 kW 3 x 78 kN
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The 421 Golden Eagle and the KC-10 Extender are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Cessna and McDonnell Douglas respectively.

Top speed is 474 km/h for the 421 Golden Eagle vs 866 km/h for the KC-10 Extender. The 421 Golden Eagle has an operational range of 2,754 km vs 7,100 km for the KC-10 Extender. The KC-10 Extender operates at altitudes up to 13,000 m compared to 9,205 m for the 421 Golden Eagle. At 267,619 kg MTOW, the KC-10 Extender is 79:1 the 421 Golden Eagle's 3,379 kg.

The 421 Golden Eagle has been produced in 1,916 units vs 60 for the KC-10 Extender. Unit cost is $0.5M for the 421 Golden Eagle vs $96M for the KC-10 Extender. The 421 Golden Eagle first flew 15 years before the KC-10 Extender (1965 vs 1980).

Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the 421 Golden Eagle or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender is faster with a maximum speed of 866 km/h compared to the 421 Golden Eagle's 474 km/h, a difference of 392 km/h.
Which has longer range, the 421 Golden Eagle or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a longer range at 7,100 km compared to the 421 Golden Eagle's 2,754 km.
Which can fly higher, the 421 Golden Eagle or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the 421 Golden Eagle's 9,205 meters (30,200 ft).
Which is heavier, the 421 Golden Eagle or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 267,619 kg compared to the 421 Golden Eagle's 3,379 kg.
Which is larger, the 421 Golden Eagle or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender is longer at 55.4 meters compared to the 421 Golden Eagle's 11.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the 421 Golden Eagle or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender is more expensive at approximately $96 million per unit compared to the 421 Golden Eagle at $0.5 million.
Which entered service first, the 421 Golden Eagle or KC-10 Extender?
The 421 Golden Eagle entered service first in 1968, 13 years before the KC-10 Extender which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the 421 Golden Eagle or KC-10 Extender?
The 421 Golden Eagle has been produced in greater numbers with 1,916 units compared to 60 units of the KC-10 Extender.