E-3 Sentry AWACS vs KC-135 Stratotanker
| American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 9 February 1972 |
| Year introduced | 1977 |
| Number produced | 68 units |
| Average unit price | $270 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 | 283.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 44.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 12.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 46.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 853 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,400 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 10,668 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 147,417 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 83,915 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 9,752 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 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 E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 853 km/h, a difference of 80 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 20 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KC-135 Stratotanker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 68 units of the E-3 Sentry AWACS.