E-3 Sentry AWACS vs KC-135 Stratotanker

Overview

The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 10,668 m for the E-3 Sentry AWACS.

The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $270M for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 16 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS (1956 vs 1972).

E-3 Sentry AWACS

American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War.
Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 9 February 1972
Year introduced 1977
Number produced 68 units
Average unit price $270 million
→ View full E-3 Sentry AWACS details

KC-135 Stratotanker

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
→ View full KC-135 Stratotanker details

E-3 Sentry AWACS

Wing area 283.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 44.4 m ◉
Height 12.6 m ◉
Length 46.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 853 km/h ◉
Operational range 7,400 km ◉
Service ceiling 10,668 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg ◉
Empty weight 83,915 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 2,438 kgf ◉

KC-135 Stratotanker

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 E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 853 km/h, a difference of 80 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 20 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 68 units of the E-3 Sentry AWACS.

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