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Boeing 747 vs U-2 Dragon Lady

Boeing 747 vs U-2 Dragon Lady at a glance — top speed 1,014 vs 805 km/h, range 12,150 vs 11,280 km, max takeoff weight 377,842 vs 18,144 kg, built 1,574 vs 104 units.

Boeing 747 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Boeing 747
Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 U-2 Dragon Lady
Specifications
Boeing 747 U-2 Dragon Lady
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Lockheed
First flight 9 February 1969 1 August 1955
Year introduced 1970 1956
Number produced 1574 units 104 units
Average unit price $285 million $50 million
Wing area 511.0 m² 93.0 m²
Wingspan 59.6 m 31.0 m
Height 19.3 m 4.9 m
Length 70.6 m 19.0 m
Maximum speed 1014 km/h 805 km/h
Operational range 12,150 km 11,280 km
Service ceiling 13,746 m 21,336 m
Max. takeoff weight 377,842 kg 18,144 kg
Empty weight 173,726 kg 6,486 kg
Total thrust 4 x 25,719 kgf 1 x 7,711 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Boeing 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 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 Boeing 747's 13,746 meters (45,098 ft).
Which is heavier, the Boeing 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The Boeing 747 is longer at 70.6 meters compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 19.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Boeing 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The Boeing 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 Boeing 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 14 years before the Boeing 747 which entered service in 1970.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Boeing 747 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The Boeing 747 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,574 units compared to 104 units of the U-2 Dragon Lady.