Originally Posted by
DaveReidUK
If it had been built on the 717 frame, you would certainly be able to tell the difference.
The (original) Boeing 717 was the model designation for initial variants of the C-135/KC-135 Stratolifter/Stratotanker. The E-3 is based on the 707.
Correct. The Boeing KC-135 civilian designation was 717 (something that was apparently lost on the idiots that were running Boeing after the Boeing/MacDac merger when they renamed the MD-95 but I digress). Several significant differences between the KC-135/717 and the 707 - the most significant being the fuselage (707 is somewhat larger in diameter).
All subsequent military variants where based on the 707 including the E-3 and E-8.