E-8 Joint STARS vs KC-135 Stratotanker
The E-8 Joint STARS and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing/Northrop Grumman and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-8 Joint STARS vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The E-8 Joint STARS has an operational range of 6,821 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 12,802 m for the E-8 Joint STARS. The E-8 Joint STARS has been produced in 17 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $250M for the E-8 Joint STARS vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 38 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1956 vs 1994).
| American command and control aircraft, instrumental during Persian Gulf War, primarily deployed for surveillance and ground-target tracking missions. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing/Northrop Grumman |
| First flight | 1 January 1994 |
| Year introduced | 1996 |
| Number produced | 17 units |
| Average unit price | $250 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 | 283.4 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 44.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 13.0 m â—‰ |
| Length | 46.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 853 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 6,821 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 12,802 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 152,407 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 77,564 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,177 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-8 Joint STARS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 853 km/h, a difference of 80 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-8 Joint STARS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a longer range at 6,821 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-8 Joint STARS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 12,802 meters (42,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-8 Joint STARS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the E-8 Joint STARS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-8 Joint STARS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-8 Joint STARS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-8 Joint STARS is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the E-8 Joint STARS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 39 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-8 Joint STARS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.