KC-135 Stratotanker vs S-2 Tracker
Overview
The KC-135 Stratotanker and the S-2 Tracker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Grumman respectively.
The KC-135 Stratotanker reaches 933 km/h — 2.1x the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h. The KC-135 Stratotanker has an operational range of 2,400 km vs 2,172 km for the S-2 Tracker. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 6,706 m for the S-2 Tracker. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 12:1 the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in 803 units vs 1,284 for the S-2 Tracker. The S-2 Tracker first flew 4 years before the KC-135 Stratotanker (1952 vs 1956).
| 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 carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, notably used in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| First flight | 4 November 1952 |
| Year introduced | 1954 |
| Number produced | 1284 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| 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 ◉ |
| Wing area | 45.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 22.2 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.4 m ◉ |
| Length | 13.3 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 450 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,172 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 6,706 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 11,860 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 8,308 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 569 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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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.