KC-135 Stratotanker vs P-3 Orion
The KC-135 Stratotanker and the P-3 Orion are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Lockheed respectively. Top speed is 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs 750 km/h for the P-3 Orion. The KC-135 Stratotanker has an operational range of 2,400 km vs 2,491 km for the P-3 Orion. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 8,626 m for the P-3 Orion. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 2.3x the P-3 Orion's 64,410 kg. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in 803 units vs 757 for the P-3 Orion. Unit cost is $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs $36M for the P-3 Orion. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 2 years before the P-3 Orion (1956 vs 1958).
| 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 maritime patrol aircraft, actively used in the Cold War, notable for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 19 August 1958 |
| Year introduced | 1962 |
| Number produced | 757 units |
| Average unit price | $36 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 2,453 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | 121.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 30.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 11.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 35.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 750 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,491 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 8,626 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 64,410 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 35,017 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 858 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the KC-135 Stratotanker or P-3 Orion?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the P-3 Orion's 750 km/h, a difference of 183 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-135 Stratotanker or P-3 Orion?
The P-3 Orion has a longer range at 2,491 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-135 Stratotanker or P-3 Orion?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the P-3 Orion's 8,626 meters (28,300 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-135 Stratotanker or P-3 Orion?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the P-3 Orion's 64,410 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-135 Stratotanker or P-3 Orion?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the P-3 Orion's 35.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KC-135 Stratotanker or P-3 Orion?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is more expensive at approximately $39 million per unit compared to the P-3 Orion at $36 million.
Which entered service first, the KC-135 Stratotanker or P-3 Orion?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 5 years before the P-3 Orion which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-135 Stratotanker or P-3 Orion?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 757 units of the P-3 Orion.