KC-135 Stratotanker vs US-2
The KC-135 Stratotanker and the US-2 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and ShinMaywa respectively. Top speed is 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs 560 km/h for the US-2. The KC-135 Stratotanker has an operational range of 2,400 km vs 4,700 km for the US-2. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 7,195 m for the US-2. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 3.1x the US-2's 47,700 kg. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in 803 units vs 8 for the US-2. Unit cost is $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs $113M for the US-2. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 47 years before the US-2 (1956 vs 2003).
| 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 |
| Japanese amphibious aircraft, prominently utilized for air-sea rescue operations, predominantly during the early 21st century. | |
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| Origin country | 🇯🇵 Japan |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | ShinMaywa |
| First flight | 18 December 2003 |
| Year introduced | 2007 |
| Number produced | 8 units |
| Average unit price | $113 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 | 136.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 33.2 m â—‰ |
| Height | 9.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 33.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 560 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 4,700 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 7,195 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 47,700 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 25,630 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 856 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the KC-135 Stratotanker or US-2?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the US-2's 560 km/h, a difference of 373 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-135 Stratotanker or US-2?
The US-2 has a longer range at 4,700 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-135 Stratotanker or US-2?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the US-2's 7,195 meters (23,605 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-135 Stratotanker or US-2?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the US-2's 47,700 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-135 Stratotanker or US-2?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the US-2's 33.5 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KC-135 Stratotanker or US-2?
The US-2 is more expensive at approximately $113 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the KC-135 Stratotanker or US-2?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 50 years before the US-2 which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-135 Stratotanker or US-2?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 8 units of the US-2.