Il-78 Midas vs KC-46 Pegasus
The Il-78 Midas is a Military Special Mission Aircraft built by Ilyushin, while the KC-46 Pegasus is a Military Transport Aircraft by Boeing. Top speed is 850 km/h for the Il-78 Midas vs 914 km/h for the KC-46 Pegasus. The Il-78 Midas has an operational range of 7,300 km vs 11,830 km for the KC-46 Pegasus. The KC-46 Pegasus operates at altitudes up to 12,200 m compared to 12,000 m for the Il-78 Midas. The Il-78 Midas has been produced in 53 units vs 108 for the KC-46 Pegasus. The Il-78 Midas first flew 31 years before the KC-46 Pegasus (1983 vs 2014).
| Soviet aerial refueling tanker, developed in the 1980s, widely involved in strategic, long-range force projection missions. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Ilyushin |
| First flight | 26 June 1983 |
| Year introduced | 1984 |
| Number produced | 53 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| American military aerial refueling and strategic transport aircraft, developed from a commercial jet airliner in the early 21st century, utilized for global air mobility and tanker operations. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 28 December 2014 |
| Year introduced | 2019 |
| Number produced | 108 units |
| Average unit price | $287 million |
| Wing area | 300.0 m² |
| Wingspan | 50.5 m â—‰ |
| Height | 14.8 m â—‰ |
| Length | 46.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 850 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,300 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 210,000 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 72,000 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 12,020 kgf â—‰ |
| Wing area | -- m² |
| Wingspan | 48.1 m â—‰ |
| Height | 15.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 50.5 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 914 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 11,830 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 12,200 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 188,240 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 82,377 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 280 kN â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the Il-78 Midas or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus is faster with a maximum speed of 914 km/h compared to the Il-78 Midas's 850 km/h, a difference of 64 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-78 Midas or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has a longer range at 11,830 km compared to the Il-78 Midas's 7,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-78 Midas or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has a higher service ceiling at 12,200 meters (40,026 ft) compared to the Il-78 Midas's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-78 Midas or KC-46 Pegasus?
The Il-78 Midas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 210,000 kg compared to the KC-46 Pegasus's 188,240 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-78 Midas or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus is longer at 50.5 meters compared to the Il-78 Midas's 46.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-78 Midas or KC-46 Pegasus?
The Il-78 Midas entered service first in 1984, 35 years before the KC-46 Pegasus which entered service in 2019.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-78 Midas or KC-46 Pegasus?
The KC-46 Pegasus has been produced in greater numbers with 108 units compared to 53 units of the Il-78 Midas.