EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs King Air 90

The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA and the King Air 90 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Beechcraft respectively. Top speed is 927 km/h for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs 494 km/h for the King Air 90. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has an operational range of 8,300 km vs 2,446 km for the King Air 90. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA operates at altitudes up to 10,058 m compared to 7,574 m for the King Air 90. At 136,304 kg MTOW, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is 25:1 the King Air 90's 5,352 kg. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has been produced in 45 units vs 3,100 for the King Air 90. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA first flew 3 years before the King Air 90 (1961 vs 1964).

American electronic surveillance and relay aircraft, involved largely in Cold War and Space Race-era operations.
Boeing EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA Other profile drawing
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 twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
Beechcraft King Air 90 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft
First flight 1 January 1964
Year introduced 1964
Number produced 3100 units
Average unit price $-- 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—‰
Wing area 26.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.8 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 11.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 494 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,446 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,574 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,217 kg
Total thrust 2 x 626 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or King Air 90?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is faster with a maximum speed of 927 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 433 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or King Air 90?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a longer range at 8,300 km compared to the King Air 90's 2,446 km.
Which can fly higher, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or King Air 90?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or King Air 90?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 136,304 kg compared to the King Air 90's 5,352 kg.
Which is larger, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or King Air 90?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is longer at 43.1 meters compared to the King Air 90's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 entered service first in 1964, 4 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 King Air 90?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 45 units of the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA.