KC-135 Stratotanker vs U-2 Dragon Lady
The KC-135 Stratotanker and the U-2 Dragon Lady are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Lockheed respectively. Top speed is 933 km/h for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs 805 km/h for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The KC-135 Stratotanker has an operational range of 2,400 km vs 11,280 km for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady operates at altitudes up to 21,336 m compared to 15,240 m for the KC-135 Stratotanker. At 146,283 kg MTOW, the KC-135 Stratotanker is 8.1x the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg. The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in 803 units vs 104 for the U-2 Dragon Lady. Unit cost is $39M for the KC-135 Stratotanker vs $50M for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 1 years before the KC-135 Stratotanker (1955 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
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| 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 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, known for extensive Cold War era operations and various military applications worldwide. |
|
| Origin country |
🇺🇸 United States
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| Category |
Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer |
Lockheed |
| First flight |
1 August 1955 |
| Year introduced |
1956 |
| Number produced |
104 units
|
| Average unit price |
$50 million
|
| Wing area |
226.0 m²
â—‰
|
| Wingspan |
39.9 m
â—‰
|
| Height |
12.7 m
â—‰
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| Length |
41.5 m
â—‰
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| Maximum speed |
933 km/h
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| Operational range |
2,400 km
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|
| Service ceiling |
15,240 m
â—‰
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| Max. takeoff weight |
146,283 kg
â—‰
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| Empty weight |
44,663 kg
â—‰
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| Total thrust |
4 x 2,453 kgf
â—‰
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| Wing area |
93.0 m²
â—‰
|
| Wingspan |
31.0 m
â—‰
|
| Height |
4.9 m
â—‰
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| Length |
19.0 m
â—‰
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| Maximum speed |
805 km/h
â—‰
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| Operational range |
11,280 km
â—‰
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| Service ceiling |
21,336 m
â—‰
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| Max. takeoff weight |
18,144 kg
â—‰
|
| Empty weight |
6,486 kg
â—‰
|
| Total thrust |
1 x 8,618 kgf
â—‰
|
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Which is faster, the KC-135 Stratotanker or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is faster with a maximum speed of 933 km/h compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 805 km/h, a difference of 128 km/h.
Which has longer range, the KC-135 Stratotanker or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 2,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the KC-135 Stratotanker or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker's 15,240 meters (50,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the KC-135 Stratotanker or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 146,283 kg compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg.
Which is larger, the KC-135 Stratotanker or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The KC-135 Stratotanker is longer at 41.5 meters compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 19.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the KC-135 Stratotanker or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is more expensive at approximately $50 million per unit compared to the KC-135 Stratotanker at $39 million.
Which entered service first, the KC-135 Stratotanker or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 1 years before the KC-135 Stratotanker which entered service in 1957.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the KC-135 Stratotanker or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The KC-135 Stratotanker has been produced in greater numbers with 803 units compared to 104 units of the U-2 Dragon Lady.