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E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs KC-135 Stratotanker

E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs KC-135 Stratotanker at a glance — top speed 966 vs 933 km/h, range 12,000 vs 17,727 km, max takeoff weight 155,128 vs 146,283 kg, built 16 vs 803 units.

Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-6 Mercury TACAMOFull specs
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 StratotankerFull specs
Specifications
E-6 Mercury TACAMO KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 19 February 1987 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1989 1957
Number produced 16 units 803 units
Average unit price $141 million $39 million
Wing area -- m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 45.2 m 39.9 m
Height 12.9 m 12.7 m
Length 45.8 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 966 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 12,000 km 17,727 km
Service ceiling 12,192 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 78,378 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 11,213 kgf 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 933 km/h, a difference of 33 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer range at 17,727 km compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 12,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 12,192 meters (40,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is more expensive at approximately $141 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 32 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO which entered service in 1989.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.