A310 MRTT vs KC-135 Stratotanker

European multirole tanker transport, with significant deployments in aerial refueling and strategic airlift operations.
Picture of A310 MRTT
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 1 December 2003
Year introduced 2004
Number produced 6 units
Average unit price $108 million
American refueling aircraft, deployed during Cold War, Desert Storm and ongoing operations worldwide for mid-air refueling missions.
Picture of KC-135 Stratotanker
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
Wing area 219.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 43.9 m â—‰
Height 15.8 m â—‰
Length 47.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 978 km/h â—‰
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling -- m
Max. takeoff weight 163,998 kg â—‰
Empty weight 113,999 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 27,306 kgf â—‰
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
Service ceiling 15,240 m
Max. takeoff weight 146,283 kg â—‰
Empty weight 44,663 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 9,813 kgf â—‰
3-view profile of KC-135 Stratotanker

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of A310 MRTT by German Air Force.