EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs KC-135 Stratotanker
| American electronic surveillance and relay aircraft, involved largely in Cold War and Space Race-era operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 1 January 1961 |
| Year introduced | 1968 |
| Number produced | 45 units |
| Average unit price | $150 million |
| American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions. | |
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| 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 | 223.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 31.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 12.7 m â—‰ |
| Length | 43.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 927 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 8,300 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 10,058 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 136,304 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 4 x 8,165 kgf â—‰ |
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| 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 |
| Total thrust | 4 x 9,813 kgf â—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 927 km/h, a difference of 6 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a longer range at 8,300 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 10,058 meters (32,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 136,304 kg.
Which is larger, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is longer at 43.1 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 11 years before the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 45 units of the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA.