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E-4 NOAC vs KC-135 Stratotanker

Boeing E-4 NOAC military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-4 NOAC
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
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Specifications
E-4 NOAC KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 1 January 1980 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1974 1957
Number produced 4 units 803 units
Average unit price $223 million $39 million
Wing area 510.0 m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 59.7 m 39.9 m
Height 19.3 m 12.7 m
Length 70.5 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 969 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 12,600 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 374,850 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 190,000 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 23,814 kgf 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The E-4 NOAC and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 969 km/h for the E-4 NOAC vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The E-4 NOAC has an operational range of 12,600 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 13,716 m for the E-4 NOAC. At 374,850 kg MTOW, the E-4 NOAC is 2.6x the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.

The E-4 NOAC has been produced in 4 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $223M for the E-4 NOAC vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 24 years before the E-4 NOAC (1956 vs 1980).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-4 NOAC or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-4 NOAC is faster with a maximum speed of 969 km/h compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 933 km/h, a difference of 36 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-4 NOAC or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-4 NOAC has a longer range at 12,600 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-4 NOAC or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the E-4 NOAC's 13,716 meters (45,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-4 NOAC or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 374,850 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the E-4 NOAC or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-4 NOAC is longer at 70.5 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-4 NOAC or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-4 NOAC is more expensive at approximately $223 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the E-4 NOAC or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 17 years before the E-4 NOAC which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-4 NOAC or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 4 units of the E-4 NOAC.