DHC-2 Beaver vs KC-135 Stratotanker
Overview
The DHC-2 Beaver and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Boeing respectively.
The KC-135 Stratotanker reaches 933 km/h — 3.7x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver.
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 9 years before the KC-135 Stratotanker (1947 vs 1956).
| Canadian utility aircraft, renowned for bush flying since the mid-20th century, widely deployed for civilian and military operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇦 Canada |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | De Havilland Canada |
| First flight | 16 August 1947 |
| Year introduced | 1948 |
| Number produced | 1657 units |
| Average unit price | $400K |
| American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions. | |
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| 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 | 23.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 15.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 9.2 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 254 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 732 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,486 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | -- kg |
| Empty weight | 1,361 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 336 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
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 679 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is more expensive at approximately $39 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 9 years before the KC-135 Stratotanker which entered service in 1957.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 803 units of the KC-135 Stratotanker.