KC-135 Stratotanker vs King Air 90

The KC-135 Stratotanker and the King Air 90 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Beechcraft respectively. Top speed is 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs 494 km/h for the King Air 90. The KC-135 Stratotanker has an operational range of 2,400 km vs 2,446 km for the King Air 90. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 7,574 m for the King Air 90. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 27:1 the King Air 90's 5,352 kg. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in 803 units vs 3,100 for the King Air 90. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 8 years before the King Air 90 (1956 vs 1964).

American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions.
Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker Other profile drawing
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 twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
Beechcraft King Air 90 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft
First flight 1 January 1964
Year introduced 1964
Number produced 3100 units
Average unit price $-- 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 26.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.8 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 11.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 494 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,446 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,574 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,217 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 626 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the KC-135 Stratotanker or King Air 90?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 439 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-135 Stratotanker or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 has a longer range at 2,446 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-135 Stratotanker or King Air 90?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-135 Stratotanker or King Air 90?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the King Air 90's 5,352 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-135 Stratotanker or King Air 90?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the King Air 90's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the KC-135 Stratotanker or King Air 90?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 7 years before the King Air 90 which entered service in 1964.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-135 Stratotanker or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 803 units of the KC-135 Stratotanker.