DA62 vs KC-135 Stratotanker

The DA62 and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Diamond and Boeing respectively. The KC-135 Stratotanker reaches 933 km/h — 2.5x the DA62's 372 km/h. The DA62 has an operational range of 2,380 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 6,069 m for the DA62. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 64:1 the DA62's 2,300 kg. The DA62 has been produced in 120 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $1.9M for the DA62 vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 56 years before the DA62 (1956 vs 2012).

Austrian twin-engine, civil utility aircraft, used worldwide for light transport and aerial surveys in the 21st century.
Diamond DA62 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇦🇹 Austria
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Diamond
First flight 1 April 2012
Year introduced 2015
Number produced 120 units
Average unit price $1.9 million
American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions.
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker Other profile drawing
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 17.1 m²
Wingspan 14.6 m
Height 2.8 m
Length 9.2 m
Maximum speed 372 km/h
Operational range 2,380 km
Service ceiling 6,069 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,300 kg
Empty weight 1,590 kg
Total thrust 2 x 66 kW
Wing area 226.0 m²
Wingspan 39.9 m
Height 12.7 m
Length 41.5 m
Maximum speed 933 km/h
Operational range 2,400 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,283 kg
Empty weight 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 2,453 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DA62 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the DA62's 372 km/h, a difference of 561 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DA62 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the DA62's 2,380 km.
Which can fly higher, the DA62 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the DA62's 6,069 meters (19,911 ft).
Which is heavier, the DA62 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the DA62's 2,300 kg.
Which is larger, the DA62 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the DA62's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DA62 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is more expensive at approximately $39 million per unit compared to the DA62 at $1.9 million.
Which entered service first, the DA62 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 58 years before the DA62 which entered service in 2015.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DA62 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 120 units of the DA62.