KC-130 Hercules vs KC-135 Stratotanker
| American military transport aircraft, noted for tactical refueling and cargo application, extensively operational during Cold War era and beyond. | |
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed Martin |
| First flight | 1 January 1960 |
| Year introduced | 1962 |
| Number produced | 124 units |
| Average unit price | $22 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 | 162.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 40.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 11.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 29.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 670 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 5,250 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 8,534 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 79,379 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 34,274 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 4,474 kW 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
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 670 km/h, a difference of 263 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-130 Hercules has a longer range at 5,250 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 79,379 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the KC-130 Hercules's 29.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is more expensive at approximately $39 million per unit compared to the KC-130 Hercules at $22 million.
Which entered service first, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 5 years before the KC-130 Hercules which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-130 Hercules or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 124 units of the KC-130 Hercules.