KC-135 Stratotanker vs 340 AEW&C

The KC-135 Stratotanker and the 340 AEW&C are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Saab respectively. Top speed is 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs 522 km/h for the 340 AEW&C. The KC-135 Stratotanker has an operational range of 2,400 km vs 1,300 km for the 340 AEW&C. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 7,620 m for the 340 AEW&C. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 11:1 the 340 AEW&C's 13,155 kg. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in 803 units vs 12 for the 340 AEW&C. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 38 years before the 340 AEW&C (1956 vs 1994).

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
Swedish twin-engine airborne early warning and control platform produced since late 1990s.
Saab 340 AEW&C Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇸🇪 Sweden
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Saab
First flight 1 January 1994
Year introduced 1997
Number produced 12 units
Average unit price --
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 42.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 21.4 m â—‰
Height 7.0 m â—‰
Length 20.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 522 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,155 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,300 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 695 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the KC-135 Stratotanker or 340 AEW&C?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the 340 AEW&C's 522 km/h, a difference of 411 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-135 Stratotanker or 340 AEW&C?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the 340 AEW&C's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-135 Stratotanker or 340 AEW&C?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the 340 AEW&C's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-135 Stratotanker or 340 AEW&C?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the 340 AEW&C's 13,155 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-135 Stratotanker or 340 AEW&C?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the 340 AEW&C's 20.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the KC-135 Stratotanker or 340 AEW&C?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 40 years before the 340 AEW&C which entered service in 1997.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-135 Stratotanker or 340 AEW&C?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 12 units of the 340 AEW&C.