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Il-78 Midas vs KC-46 Pegasus

Il-78 Midas vs KC-46 Pegasus at a glance — top speed 850 vs 914 km/h, range 7,300 vs 11,830 km, max takeoff weight 210,000 vs 188,240 kg, built 53 vs 108 units.

Ilyushin Il-78 Midas military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Il-78 Midas
Boeing KC-46 Pegasus military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 KC-46 Pegasus
Specifications
Il-78 Midas KC-46 Pegasus
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin Boeing
First flight 26 June 1983 28 December 2014
Year introduced 1984 2019
Number produced 53 units 108 units
Average unit price -- $287 million
Wing area 300.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 50.5 m 48.1 m
Height 14.8 m 15.9 m
Length 46.6 m 50.5 m
Maximum speed 850 km/h 914 km/h
Operational range 7,300 km 11,830 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m 12,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 210,000 kg 188,240 kg
Empty weight 72,000 kg 82,377 kg
Total thrust 4 x 12,020 kgf 2 x 280 kN
Performance Radar Chart
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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.