EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs KC-135 Stratotanker

American electronic surveillance and relay aircraft, involved largely in Cold War and Space Race-era operations.
Picture of EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 1 January 1961
Year introduced 1968
Number produced 45 units
Average unit price $150 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 223.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 31.6 m â—‰
Height 12.7 m â—‰
Length 43.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 927 km/h â—‰
Operational range 8,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 10,058 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 136,304 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,165 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 â—‰
Service ceiling 15,240 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 146,283 kg â—‰
Empty weight 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,813 kgf â—‰
3-view profile of KC-135 Stratotanker

Performance Radar Chart