Il-80 vs KC-135 Stratotanker
The Il-80 and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Ilyushin and Boeing respectively. Top speed is 850 km/h for the Il-80 vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The Il-80 has an operational range of 4,000 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-80. The Il-80 has been produced in 4 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 31 years before the Il-80 (1956 vs 1987).
| Soviet airborne command post, designed during the Cold War, most notably deployed in strategic air command scenarios. | |
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| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Ilyushin |
| First flight | 5 March 1987 |
| Year introduced | 1992 |
| Number produced | 4 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 | -- m² |
| Wingspan | 48.1 m â—‰ |
| Height | -- m |
| Length | 59.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 850 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 4,000 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 11,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 208,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 4 x 3,250 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | 226.0 m² |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m â—‰ |
| Height | 12.7 m |
| 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 |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,453 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Il-80 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the Il-80's 850 km/h, a difference of 83 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-80 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Il-80 has a longer range at 4,000 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-80 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the Il-80's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-80 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Il-80 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 208,000 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-80 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The Il-80 is longer at 59.5 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-80 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 35 years before the Il-80 which entered service in 1992.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-80 or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 4 units of the Il-80.