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KC-135 Stratotanker vs S-3 Viking

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-135 Stratotanker
Lockheed S-3 Viking military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-3 Viking
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Specifications
KC-135 Stratotanker S-3 Viking
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Lockheed
First flight 31 August 1956 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1957 1974
Number produced 803 units 188 units
Average unit price $39 million $27 million
Wing area 226.0 m² 56.0 m²
Wingspan 39.9 m 21.0 m
Height 12.7 m 7.0 m
Length 41.5 m 16.3 m
Maximum speed 933 km/h 815 km/h
Operational range 2,400 km 5,121 km
Service ceiling 15,240 m 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,283 kg 23,831 kg
Empty weight 44,663 kg 12,057 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,813 kgf 2 x 4,207 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The KC-135 Stratotanker and the S-3 Viking are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs 815 km/h for the S-3 Viking. The KC-135 Stratotanker has an operational range of 2,400 km vs 5,121 km for the S-3 Viking. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 12,466 m for the S-3 Viking. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 6.1x the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.

The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in 803 units vs 188 for the S-3 Viking. Unit cost is $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs $27M for the S-3 Viking. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 16 years before the S-3 Viking (1956 vs 1972).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-3 Viking?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the S-3 Viking's 815 km/h, a difference of 118 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a longer range at 5,121 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-3 Viking?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the S-3 Viking's 12,466 meters (40,898 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-3 Viking?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-3 Viking?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the S-3 Viking's 16.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-3 Viking?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is more expensive at approximately $39 million per unit compared to the S-3 Viking at $27 million.
Which entered service first, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-3 Viking?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 17 years before the S-3 Viking which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-135 Stratotanker or S-3 Viking?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 188 units of the S-3 Viking.