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Boeing 747 vs E-3 Sentry AWACS

Boeing 747 vs E-3 Sentry AWACS at a glance — top speed 1,014 vs 853 km/h, range 12,150 vs 7,400 km, max takeoff weight 377,842 vs 147,417 kg, built 1,574 vs 68 units.

Boeing 747 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Boeing 747
Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-3 Sentry AWACS
Specifications
Boeing 747 E-3 Sentry AWACS
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 9 February 1969 9 February 1972
Year introduced 1970 1977
Number produced 1574 units 68 units
Average unit price $285 million $270 million
Wing area 511.0 m² 283.0 m²
Wingspan 59.6 m 44.4 m
Height 19.3 m 12.6 m
Length 70.6 m 46.6 m
Maximum speed 1014 km/h 853 km/h
Operational range 12,150 km 7,400 km
Service ceiling 13,746 m 10,668 m
Max. takeoff weight 377,842 kg 147,417 kg
Empty weight 173,726 kg 83,915 kg
Total thrust 4 x 25,719 kgf 4 x 9,752 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Boeing 747 or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The Boeing 747 is faster with a maximum speed of 1,014 km/h compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 853 km/h, a difference of 161 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Boeing 747 or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The Boeing 747 has a longer range at 12,150 km compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 7,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the Boeing 747 or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The Boeing 747 has a higher service ceiling at 13,746 meters (45,098 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the Boeing 747 or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The Boeing 747 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 377,842 kg compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 147,417 kg.
Which is larger, the Boeing 747 or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The Boeing 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 46.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Boeing 747 or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The Boeing 747 is more expensive at approximately $285 million per unit compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS at $270 million.
Which entered service first, the Boeing 747 or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The Boeing 747 entered service first in 1970, 7 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Boeing 747 or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The Boeing 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 68 units of the E-3 Sentry AWACS.