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KC-10 Extender vs KC-135 Stratotanker

KC-10 Extender vs KC-135 Stratotanker at a glance — top speed 866 vs 933 km/h, range 7,100 vs 2,400 km, max takeoff weight 267,619 vs 146,283 kg, built 60 vs 803 units.

McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-10 Extender
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
Specifications
KC-10 Extender KC-135 Stratotanker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Boeing
First flight 1 July 1980 31 August 1956
Year introduced 1981 1957
Number produced 60 units 803 units
Average unit price $96 million $39 million
Wing area 367.7 m² 226.0 m²
Wingspan 50.4 m 39.9 m
Height 17.7 m 12.7 m
Length 55.4 m 41.5 m
Maximum speed 866 km/h 933 km/h
Operational range 7,100 km 2,400 km
Service ceiling 13,000 m 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 267,619 kg 146,283 kg
Empty weight 109,328 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 3 x 234 kN 4 x 9,813 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the KC-10 Extender or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the KC-10 Extender's 866 km/h, a difference of 67 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-10 Extender or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-10 Extender has a longer range at 7,100 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-10 Extender or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the KC-10 Extender's 13,000 meters (42,650 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-10 Extender or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 267,619 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-10 Extender or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-10 Extender is longer at 55.4 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KC-10 Extender or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-10 Extender is more expensive at approximately $96 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the KC-10 Extender or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 24 years before the KC-10 Extender which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-10 Extender or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 60 units of the KC-10 Extender.