GlobalEye vs KC-135 Stratotanker
The GlobalEye and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Saab / Bombardier and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 1,110 km/h for the GlobalEye vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The GlobalEye has an operational range of 11,000 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The GlobalEye operates at altitudes up to 16,000 m compared to 15,240 m for the KC-135 Stratotanker. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 3.2x the GlobalEye's 45,100 kg. The GlobalEye has been produced in 5 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $350M for the GlobalEye vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 62 years before the GlobalEye (1956 vs 2018).
| Swedish/Canadian airborne early warning and control platform, introduced in 2020, used for airborne, maritime, and ground surveillance. | |
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| Origin country | 🇸🇪 Sweden |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Saab / Bombardier |
| First flight | 14 March 2018 |
| Year introduced | 2020 |
| Number produced | 5 units |
| Average unit price | $350 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 | 94.9 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 29.0 m â—‰ |
| Height | 7.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 30.3 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 1110 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 11,000 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 16,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 45,100 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 23,690 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 3,345 kgf â—‰ |
| 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 â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,453 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the GlobalEye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The GlobalEye is faster with a maximum speed of 1,110 km/h compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 933 km/h, a difference of 177 km/h.
Which has longer range, the GlobalEye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The GlobalEye has a longer range at 11,000 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the GlobalEye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The GlobalEye has a higher service ceiling at 16,000 meters (52,493 ft) compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the GlobalEye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the GlobalEye's 45,100 kg.
Which is larger, the GlobalEye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the GlobalEye's 30.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the GlobalEye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The GlobalEye is more expensive at approximately $350 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the GlobalEye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 63 years before the GlobalEye which entered service in 2020.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the GlobalEye or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 5 units of the GlobalEye.