KC-135 Stratotanker vs SR-20
The KC-135 Stratotanker and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Cirrus respectively. The KC-135 Stratotanker reaches 933 km/h — 3.3x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The KC-135 Stratotanker has an operational range of 2,400 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The KC-135 Stratotanker operates at altitudes up to 15,240 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 106:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in 803 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. Unit cost is $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs $0.63M for the SR-20. The KC-135 Stratotanker first flew 39 years before the SR-20 (1956 vs 1995).
| 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 civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Cirrus |
| First flight | 21 March 1995 |
| Year introduced | 1999 |
| Number produced | 1459 units |
| Average unit price | $0.6 million |
| 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 9,813 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 13.5 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 11.7 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.5 m ◉ |
| Length | 8.0 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 287 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,450 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 5,334 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 1,383 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 943 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 149 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the KC-135 Stratotanker or SR-20?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 646 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-135 Stratotanker or SR-20?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a longer range at 2,400 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-135 Stratotanker or SR-20?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher service ceiling at 15,240 meters (50,000 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-135 Stratotanker or SR-20?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-135 Stratotanker or SR-20?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KC-135 Stratotanker or SR-20?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is more expensive at approximately $39 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the KC-135 Stratotanker or SR-20?
The KC-135 Stratotanker entered service first in 1957, 42 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-135 Stratotanker or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 803 units of the KC-135 Stratotanker.