747 vs U-2 Dragon Lady

The 747 and the U-2 Dragon Lady are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Lockheed respectively. Top speed is 1,014 km/h for the 747 vs 805 km/h for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The 747 has an operational range of 12,150 km vs 11,280 km for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady operates at altitudes up to 21,336 m compared to 13,746 m for the 747. At 377,842 kg MTOW, the 747 is 21:1 the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg. The 747 has been produced in 1,574 units vs 104 for the U-2 Dragon Lady. Unit cost is $285M for the 747 vs $50M for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 14 years before the 747 (1955 vs 1969).

747

American wide-body commercial jet airliner, conceived in the 1960s and renowned for transcontinental and transatlantic flights.
Boeing 747 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 9 February 1969
Year introduced 1970
Number produced 1574 units
Average unit price $285 million
American high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, known for extensive Cold War era operations and various military applications worldwide.
Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 1 August 1955
Year introduced 1956
Number produced 104 units
Average unit price $50 million

747

Wing area 511.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 59.6 m â—‰
Height 19.3 m â—‰
Length 70.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1014 km/h â—‰
Operational range 12,150 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,746 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 377,842 kg â—‰
Empty weight 173,726 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 25,719 kgf â—‰
Wing area 93.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 31.0 m â—‰
Height 4.9 m â—‰
Length 19.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 805 km/h â—‰
Operational range 11,280 km â—‰
Service ceiling 21,336 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 18,144 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,486 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 8,618 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The 747 is faster with a maximum speed of 1,014 km/h compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 805 km/h, a difference of 209 km/h.
Which has longer range, the 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The 747 has a longer range at 12,150 km compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 11,280 km.
Which can fly higher, the 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the 747's 13,746 meters (45,098 ft).
Which is heavier, the 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The 747 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 377,842 kg compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg.
Which is larger, the 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 19.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The 747 is more expensive at approximately $285 million per unit compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady at $50 million.
Which entered service first, the 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 14 years before the 747 which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 104 units of the U-2 Dragon Lady.