Il-38 May vs KC-135 Stratotanker
The Il-38 May and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Ilyushin and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 650 km/h for the Il-38 May vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The Il-38 May has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 11,000 m for the Il-38 May. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 2.2x the Il-38 May's 66,000 kg. The Il-38 May has been produced in 58 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 5 years before the Il-38 May (1956 vs 1961).
| Soviet maritime patrol aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, primarily used for anti-submarine and maritime surveillance operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Ilyushin |
| First flight | 27 September 1961 |
| Year introduced | 1967 |
| Number produced | 58 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| 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 | 140.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 37.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 10.2 m â—‰ |
| Length | 40.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 650 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,500 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 11,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 66,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 34,630 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 782 kW 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 Il-38 May or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the Il-38 May's 650 km/h, a difference of 283 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-38 May or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Il-38 May has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-38 May or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Il-38 May's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-38 May or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the Il-38 May's 66,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-38 May or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the Il-38 May's 40.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-38 May or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 10 years before the Il-38 May which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-38 May or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 58 units of the Il-38 May.