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

EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs KC-135 Stratotanker

Boeing EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
Change comparison vs
Specifications
EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 1 January 1961 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1968 1957
Number produced 45 units 803 units
Average unit price $150 million $39 million
Wing area 223.0 m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 31.6 m 39.9 m
Height 12.7 m 12.7 m
Length 43.1 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 927 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 8,300 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 136,304 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 44,663 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,165 kgf 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 927 km/h for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has an operational range of 8,300 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 10,058 m for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA.

The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has been produced in 45 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $150M for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 5 years before the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA (1956 vs 1961).

Related Comparisons
KC-135 Stratotanker vs Il-78 Midas EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs PA-32 Cherokee Six EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs King Air 90 EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs DHC-2 Beaver EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs Boeing 747 EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs S-2 Tracker

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.