EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs KC-135 Stratotanker
Overview
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA and the KC-135 Stratotanker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.
Top speed is 927 km/h for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has an operational range of 8,300 km vs 2,400 km for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 10,058 m for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA.
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has been produced in 45 units vs 803 for the KC-135 Stratotanker. Unit cost is $150M for the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 5 years before the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA (1956 vs 1961).
| American electronic surveillance and relay aircraft, involved largely in Cold War and Space Race-era operations. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 1 January 1961 |
| Year introduced | 1968 |
| Number produced | 45 units |
| Average unit price | $150 million |
| American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions. | |
|
|
| 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 | 223.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 31.6 m ◉ |
| Height | 12.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 43.1 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 927 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 8,300 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 10,058 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 136,304 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 44,663 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,041 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 226.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 39.9 m ◉ |
| Height | 12.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 41.5 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 933 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,400 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 146,283 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 44,663 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,453 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
Generating comparison analysis...
Unable to generate comparison at this time.