GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

EC-130 Commando Solo vs KC-135 Stratotanker

Lockheed Martin EC-130 Commando Solo military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EC-130 Commando Solo
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
Change comparison vs
Specifications
EC-130 Commando Solo KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin Boeing
First flight 1 January 1957 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1975 1957
Number produced 14 units 803 units
Average unit price $150 million $39 million
Wing area 162.0 m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 40.3 m 39.9 m
Height 11.8 m 12.7 m
Length 29.7 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 671 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 4,300 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 8,534 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 74,389 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 34,274 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 4,474 kW 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The EC-130 Commando Solo and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed Martin and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 671 km/h for the EC-130 Commando Solo vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The EC-130 Commando Solo has an operational range of 4,300 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 8,534 m for the EC-130 Commando Solo.

The EC-130 Commando Solo has been produced in 14 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $150M for the EC-130 Commando Solo vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 1 years before the EC-130 Commando Solo (1956 vs 1957).

Related Comparisons
KC-135 Stratotanker vs Il-78 Midas EC-130 Commando Solo vs PA-32 Cherokee Six EC-130 Commando Solo vs King Air 90 EC-130 Commando Solo vs Boeing 747 EC-130 Commando Solo vs Boeing 707 EC-130 Commando Solo vs P-3 Orion

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EC-130 Commando Solo or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 671 km/h, a difference of 262 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EC-130 Commando Solo or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EC-130 Commando Solo has a longer range at 4,300 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the EC-130 Commando Solo or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the EC-130 Commando Solo or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 74,389 kg.
Which is larger, the EC-130 Commando Solo or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 29.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the EC-130 Commando Solo or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EC-130 Commando Solo is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the EC-130 Commando Solo or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 18 years before the EC-130 Commando Solo which entered service in 1975.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EC-130 Commando Solo or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 14 units of the EC-130 Commando Solo.