Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker vs Boeing E-3 Sentry
Top speed, range, size and history side by side. Each was built for its own job, so this shows how they differ, not which is better.
The Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker is faster: 933 km/h against 855 km/h for the Boeing E-3 Sentry. The Boeing E-3 Sentry flies further: 7,400 km against 2,419 km for the Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker. The Boeing E-3 Sentry has the wider wingspan: 44.4 m against 39.9 m for the Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker. The Boeing E-3 Sentry is heavier at takeoff: 147 tonnes against 146 tonnes for the Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker. The Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker first flew in 1956, 19 years before the Boeing E-3 Sentry (1975).
| Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker | Boeing E-3 Sentry |
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| Top speed | 933 km/h (580 mph) | 855 km/h (531 mph) |
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| Range | 2,419 km (1,503 miles) | 7,400 km (4,598 miles) |
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| Length | 41.5 m (136 ft) | 46.6 m (153 ft) |
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| Wingspan | 39.9 m (131 ft) | 44.4 m (146 ft) |
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| Max takeoff weight | 146 t (322,533 lb) | 147 t (324,958 lb) |
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| First flight | 1956 | 1975 |
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| Crew and capacity | 3 crew, including the boom operator | 4 flight crew, 13 to 19 radar crew |
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| Engines | 4 × CFM International F108 turbofan | 4 × Pratt & Whitney TF33 turbofan |
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| Built by | Boeing | Boeing |
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| Country | USA | USA |
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