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

EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs KC-135 Stratotanker at a glance — top speed 927 vs 933 km/h, range 8,300 vs 2,400 km, max takeoff weight 136,304 vs 146,283 kg, built 45 vs 803 units.

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
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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.