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EA-6B Prowler vs KC-135 Stratotanker

Grumman EA-6B Prowler military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EA-6B Prowler
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
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Specifications
EA-6B Prowler KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Boeing
First flight 25 May 1968 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1971 1957
Number produced 170 units 803 units
Average unit price $52 million $39 million
Wing area 49.2 m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 16.0 m 39.9 m
Height 5.1 m 12.7 m
Length 18.0 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 1048 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 3,745 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 11,460 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,896 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 14,134 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,717 kgf 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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 5.2:1 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).

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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.