KC-135 Stratotanker vs KC-46 Pegasus
The KC-135 Stratotanker is a Military Special Mission Aircraft built by Boeing, while the KC-46 Pegasus is a Military Transport Aircraft by Boeing. Top speed is 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs 914 km/h for the KC-46 Pegasus. The KC-135 Stratotanker has an operational range of 2,400 km vs 11,830 km for the KC-46 Pegasus. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 12,200 m for the KC-46 Pegasus. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in 803 units vs 108 for the KC-46 Pegasus. Unit cost is $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs $287M for the KC-46 Pegasus. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 58 years before the KC-46 Pegasus (1956 vs 2014).
| 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 |
| American military aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft, developed from a commercial jet airliner in the early 21st century, utilized for global air mobility and tanker operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 28 December 2014 |
| Year introduced | 2019 |
| Number produced | 108 units |
| Average unit price | $287 million |
| 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—‰ |
| Wing area | -- m² |
| Wingspan | 48.1 m â—‰ |
| Height | 15.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 50.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 914 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 11,830 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 12,200 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 188,240 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 82,377 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 280 kN â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the KC-46 Pegasus's 914 km/h, a difference of 19 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has a longer range at 11,830 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the KC-46 Pegasus's 12,200 meters (40,026 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 188,240 kg compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 146,283 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus is longer at 50.5 meters compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 41.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus is more expensive at approximately $287 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 62 years before the KC-46 Pegasus which entered service in 2019.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-135 Stratotanker or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 108 units of the KC-46 Pegasus.