E-2 Hawkeye vs KC-135 Stratotanker
The E-2 Hawkeye and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 648 km/h for the E-2 Hawkeye vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The E-2 Hawkeye has an operational range of 2,708 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 10,577 m for the E-2 Hawkeye. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 2.5x the E-2 Hawkeye's 57,500 kg. The E-2 Hawkeye has been produced in 313 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $232M for the E-2 Hawkeye vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 4 years before the E-2 Hawkeye (1956 vs 1960).
| American all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft, significant for its Cold War to contemporary deployments. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| First flight | 21 October 1960 |
| Year introduced | 1964 |
| Number produced | 313 units |
| Average unit price | $232 million |
| American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions. | |
|
|
| 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 | 65.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 24.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 5.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 17.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 648 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,708 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 10,577 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 57,500 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 19,536 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 1,902 kW â—‰ |
| Wing area | 226.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m â—‰ |
| Height | 12.7 m â—‰ |
| Length | 41.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 933 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,400 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 146,283 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 44,663 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,453 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the E-2 Hawkeye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 648 km/h, a difference of 285 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-2 Hawkeye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-2 Hawkeye has a longer range at 2,708 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-2 Hawkeye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 10,577 meters (34,701 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-2 Hawkeye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 57,500 kg.
Which is larger, the E-2 Hawkeye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 17.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-2 Hawkeye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-2 Hawkeye is more expensive at approximately $232 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the E-2 Hawkeye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 7 years before the E-2 Hawkeye which entered service in 1964.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-2 Hawkeye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 313 units of the E-2 Hawkeye.