EF-111 Raven vs KC-135 Stratotanker

The EF-111 Raven and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by General Dynamics/Grumman and Boeing respectively. The EF-111 Raven reaches 2,350 km/h — 2.5x the KC-135 Stratotanker's 933 km/h. The EF-111 Raven has an operational range of 3,220 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The EF-111 Raven operates at altitudes up to 17,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the KC-135 Stratotanker. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 3.7x the EF-111 Raven's 39,680 kg. The EF-111 Raven has been produced in 42 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $65M for the EF-111 Raven vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 21 years before the EF-111 Raven (1956 vs 1977).

American electronic warfare aircraft, extensively deployed in Gulf War, notable for radar jamming and deception operations.
General Dynamics/Grumman EF-111 Raven Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer General Dynamics/Grumman
First flight 1 January 1977
Year introduced 1981
Number produced 42 units
Average unit price $65 million
American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions.
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker Other profile drawing
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 48.8 m²
Wingspan 19.2 m
Height 5.0 m
Length 23.5 m
Maximum speed 2350 km/h
Operational range 3,220 km
Service ceiling 17,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 39,680 kg
Empty weight 24,230 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,195 kgf
Wing area 226.0 m²
Wingspan 39.9 m
Height 12.7 m
Length 41.5 m
Maximum speed 933 km/h
Operational range 2,400 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,283 kg
Empty weight 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 2,453 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EF-111 Raven or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EF-111 Raven is faster with a maximum speed of 2,350 km/h compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 933 km/h, a difference of 1,417 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EF-111 Raven or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EF-111 Raven has a longer range at 3,220 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the EF-111 Raven or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EF-111 Raven has a higher service ceiling at 17,000 meters (55,774 ft) compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the EF-111 Raven or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the EF-111 Raven's 39,680 kg.
Which is larger, the EF-111 Raven or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the EF-111 Raven's 23.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the EF-111 Raven or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The EF-111 Raven is more expensive at approximately $65 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the EF-111 Raven or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 24 years before the EF-111 Raven which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EF-111 Raven or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 42 units of the EF-111 Raven.