DC-3 vs KC-10 Extender
Overview
The DC-3 and the KC-10 Extender are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Douglas and McDonnell Douglas respectively.
The KC-10 Extender reaches 866 km/h — 2.1x the DC-3's 413 km/h. The DC-3 has an operational range of 2,540 km vs 7,100 km for the KC-10 Extender. The KC-10 Extender operates at altitudes up to 13,000 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 267,619 kg MTOW, the KC-10 Extender is 20:1 the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
The DC-3 has been produced in 10,174 units vs 60 for the KC-10 Extender. Unit cost is $0.08M for the DC-3 vs $96M for the KC-10 Extender. The DC-3 first flew 39 years before the KC-10 Extender (1941 vs 1980).
| American commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Douglas |
| First flight | 23 December 1941 |
| Year introduced | 1936 |
| Number produced | 10174 units |
| Average unit price | $80K |
| American tanker and cargo aircraft, developed from the DC-10 airliner in the late 20th century, operated by the United States Air Force and the Royal Netherlands Air Force for aerial refueling and transport. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas |
| First flight | 1 July 1980 |
| Year introduced | 1981 |
| Number produced | 60 units |
| Average unit price | $96 million |
| Wing area | 91.7 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 29.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.6 m ◉ |
| Length | 22.7 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 413 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,540 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 7,071 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 13,154 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 6,450 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 3 x 292 kW ◉ |
| Wing area | 367.7 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 17.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 55.4 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 866 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 7,100 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 13,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 267,619 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 109,328 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 3 x 78 kN ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the DC-3 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender is faster with a maximum speed of 866 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 453 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DC-3 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a longer range at 7,100 km compared to the DC-3's 2,540 km.
Which can fly higher, the DC-3 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the DC-3 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 267,619 kg compared to the DC-3's 13,154 kg.
Which is larger, the DC-3 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender is longer at 55.4 meters compared to the DC-3's 22.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DC-3 or KC-10 Extender?
The KC-10 Extender is more expensive at approximately $96 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the DC-3 or KC-10 Extender?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 45 years before the KC-10 Extender which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DC-3 or KC-10 Extender?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 60 units of the KC-10 Extender.