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KC-10 Extender vs KC-46 Pegasus

KC-10 Extender vs KC-46 Pegasus at a glance — top speed 866 vs 914 km/h, range 7,100 vs 11,830 km, max takeoff weight 267,619 vs 188,240 kg, built 60 vs 108 units.

McDonnell Douglas KC-10 Extender military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-10 Extender
Boeing KC-46 Pegasus military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-46 Pegasus
Specifications
KC-10 Extender KC-46 Pegasus
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas Boeing
First flight 1 July 1980 28 December 2014
Year introduced 1981 2019
Number produced 60 units 108 units
Average unit price $96 million $287 million
Wing area 367.7 m² -- m²
Wingspan 50.4 m 48.1 m
Height 17.7 m 15.9 m
Length 55.4 m 50.5 m
Maximum speed 866 km/h 914 km/h
Operational range 7,100 km 11,830 km
Service ceiling 13,000 m 12,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 267,619 kg 188,240 kg
Empty weight 109,328 kg 82,377 kg
Total thrust 3 x 234 kN 2 x 280 kN
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the KC-10 Extender or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus is faster with a maximum speed of 914 km/h compared to the KC-10 Extender's 866 km/h, a difference of 48 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-10 Extender or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has a longer range at 11,830 km compared to the KC-10 Extender's 7,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-10 Extender or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher service ceiling at 13,000 meters (42,650 ft) compared to the KC-46 Pegasus's 12,200 meters (40,026 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-10 Extender or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-10 Extender has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 267,619 kg compared to the KC-46 Pegasus's 188,240 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-10 Extender or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-10 Extender is longer at 55.4 meters compared to the KC-46 Pegasus's 50.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KC-10 Extender or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus is more expensive at approximately $287 million per unit compared to the KC-10 Extender at $96 million.
Which entered service first, the KC-10 Extender or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-10 Extender entered service first in 1981, 38 years before the KC-46 Pegasus which entered service in 2019.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-10 Extender or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has been produced in greater numbers with 108 units compared to 60 units of the KC-10 Extender.