Il-78 Midas vs KC-135 Stratotanker
| Soviet aerial refueling tanker, developed in the 1980s, widely involved in strategic, long-range force projection missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Ilyushin |
| First flight | 26 June 1983 |
| Year introduced | 1984 |
| Number produced | 53 units |
| Average unit price | $-- 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 | 300.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 50.5 m â—‰ |
| Height | 14.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 46.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 850 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,300 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 210,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 72,000 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 12,020 kgf â—‰ |
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| 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 9,813 kgf â—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Photo of Il-78 Midas by Konstantin Tyurpeko.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Il-78 Midas or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the Il-78 Midas's 850 km/h, a difference of 83 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-78 Midas or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Il-78 Midas has a longer range at 7,300 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-78 Midas or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Il-78 Midas's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-78 Midas or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-78 Midas or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Il-78 Midas is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-78 Midas or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 27 years before the Il-78 Midas which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-78 Midas or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 53 units of the Il-78 Midas.