A310 MRTT vs KC-135 Stratotanker
| European multirole tanker transport, with significant deployments in aerial refueling and strategic airlift operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇪🇺 Europe |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| First flight | 1 December 2003 |
| Year introduced | 2004 |
| Number produced | 6 units |
| Average unit price | $108 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 | 219.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 43.9 m â—‰ |
| Height | 15.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 47.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 978 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 8,889 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | -- m |
| Max. takeoff weight | 163,998 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 113,999 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 27,306 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 |
| 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 A310 MRTT by German Air Force.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A310 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A310 MRTT is faster with a maximum speed of 978 km/h compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 933 km/h, a difference of 45 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A310 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A310 MRTT has a longer range at 8,889 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the A310 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the A310 MRTT's 0 meters (0 ft).
Which is heavier, the A310 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A310 MRTT has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 163,998 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the A310 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A310 MRTT is longer at 47.5 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A310 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The A310 MRTT is more expensive at approximately $108 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the A310 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 47 years before the A310 MRTT which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A310 MRTT or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 6 units of the A310 MRTT.