EA-6B Prowler vs KC-135 Stratotanker

The EA-6B Prowler and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 1,048 km/h for the EA-6B Prowler vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The EA-6B Prowler has an operational range of 3,745 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 11,460 m for the EA-6B Prowler. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 5.2x the EA-6B Prowler's 27,896 kg. The EA-6B Prowler has been produced in 170 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $52M for the EA-6B Prowler vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 12 years before the EA-6B Prowler (1956 vs 1968).

American electronic warfare aircraft, vital during the Cold War, widely deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Grumman EA-6B Prowler Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 25 May 1968
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 170 units
Average unit price $52 million
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
Wing area 49.2 m² ◉
Wingspan 16.0 m â—‰
Height 5.1 m â—‰
Length 18.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1048 km/h â—‰
Operational range 3,745 km â—‰
Service ceiling 11,460 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 27,896 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,134 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 2,359 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 EA-6B Prowler or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EA-6B Prowler is faster with a maximum speed of 1,048 km/h compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 933 km/h, a difference of 115 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EA-6B Prowler or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EA-6B Prowler has a longer range at 3,745 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the EA-6B Prowler or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 11,460 meters (37,598 ft).
Which is heavier, the EA-6B Prowler or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 27,896 kg.
Which is larger, the EA-6B Prowler or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 18.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the EA-6B Prowler or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EA-6B Prowler is more expensive at approximately $52 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the EA-6B Prowler or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 14 years before the EA-6B Prowler which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EA-6B Prowler or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 170 units of the EA-6B Prowler.