E-4 NOAC vs KC-135 Stratotanker
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).
| American advanced airborne command post, launched during the Cold War, extensively employed for national emergency operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 1 January 1980 |
| Year introduced | 1974 |
| Number produced | 4 units |
| Average unit price | $223 million |
| 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 | 510.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 59.7 m â—‰ |
| Height | 19.3 m â—‰ |
| Length | 70.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 969 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 12,600 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 13,716 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 374,850 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 190,000 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 5,954 kgf 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-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.