Category: Finance | Title: KC 46 vs KC 135 Size Comparison | Tag: Military Aircraft | Meta Description: Compare the KC 46 and KC 135 size, capacity, and dimensions with the latest public data...
KC 46 vs KC 135 Size Overview
The KC 46 Pegasus is a widebody military refueling and transport aircraft based on the Boeing 767-2C airframe, while the KC 135 Stratotanker is a narrowbody jet derived from the Boeing 367-80. In terms of overall length, the KC 46 measures about 178 feet, making it longer than the KC 135, which is approximately 136 feet. The KC 46 wingspan reaches roughly 196 feet, compared with the KC 135 wingspan of about 131 feet, giving the newer tanker a significantly wider profile. The KC 46 stands around 55 feet tall versus the KC 135 height of roughly 42 feet, and its wider fuselage allows for larger cargo and passenger compartments. These size differences directly affect payload, fuel volume, and mission flexibility, as detailed by Boeing and the U.S. Air Force KC 46 Pegasus page.
Because the KC 46 uses a 767-family widebody fuselage, it offers more internal volume than the KC 135, which is based on a 1950s narrowbody design. The KC 46 can carry more fuel, passengers, and cargo in a single mission, while the KC 135 remains in service due to its proven reliability and lower operating costs. The Air Force continues to operate hundreds of KC 135s while slowly fielding KC 46s, with each platform serving different roles in aerial refueling and strategic airlift KC 135 Stratotanker fact sheet.
Fuel Capacity and Payload Dimensions
The KC 46 can carry up to 212,299 pounds of fuel in its baseline configuration, with the ability to transfer fuel to receiver aircraft through both hose and drogue systems as well as a flying boom. The KC 135 can hold roughly 200,000 pounds of fuel, depending on the specific variant and configuration, and it primarily uses the flying boom for refueling. The larger fuel volume of the KC 46 supports longer unrefueled range and more sorties per mission, while the KC 135 remains a workhorse for global reach missions. These figures reflect the different design philosophies and tanker roles within the Air Force fleet KC 46 vs KC 135 comparison.
In terms of cargo and passenger capacity, the KC 46 widebody fuselage allows for larger palletized loads and more troops than the KC 135. The KC 46 can accommodate up to 114 passengers in a basic configuration and carry significant outsized cargo, while the KC 135 typically supports fewer passengers and lighter loads. The internal dimensions, including cabin width and height, give the KC 46 a clear advantage for transporting bulky equipment and humanitarian supplies. These capacity differences are critical for planning joint operations and disaster relief missions Forbes KC 46 overview