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KC-135 Stratotanker vs S-2 Tracker

KC-135 Stratotanker vs S-2 Tracker at a glance — top speed 933 vs 450 km/h, range 2,400 vs 2,172 km, max takeoff weight 146,283 vs 11,860 kg, built 803 vs 1,284 units.

Grumman S-2 Tracker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-2 Tracker
Specifications
KC-135 Stratotanker S-2 Tracker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Grumman
First flight 31 August 1956 4 November 1952
Year introduced 1957 1954
Number produced 803 units 1284 units
Average unit price $39 million --
Wing area 226.0 m² 45.0 m²
Wingspan 39.9 m 22.2 m
Height 12.7 m 5.4 m
Length 41.5 m 13.3 m
Maximum speed 933 km/h 450 km/h
Operational range 2,400 km 2,172 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 6,706 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,283 kg 11,860 kg
Empty weight 44,663 kg 8,308 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,813 kgf 2 x 1,137 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-2 Tracker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h, a difference of 483 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-2 Tracker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-2 Tracker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-2 Tracker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-2 Tracker?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the S-2 Tracker's 13.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 3 years before the KC-135 Stratotanker which entered service in 1957.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 803 units of the KC-135 Stratotanker.