DHC-2 Beaver vs E-3 Sentry AWACS

The DHC-2 Beaver and the E-3 Sentry AWACS are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Boeing respectively. The E-3 Sentry AWACS reaches 853 km/h — 3.4x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 7,400 km for the E-3 Sentry AWACS. The E-3 Sentry AWACS operates at altitudes up to 10,668 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 68 for the E-3 Sentry AWACS. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $270M for the E-3 Sentry AWACS. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 25 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS (1947 vs 1972).

Canadian utility aircraft, renowned for bush flying since the mid-20th century, widely deployed for civilian and military operations.
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 16 August 1947
Year introduced 1948
Number produced 1657 units
Average unit price $0.4 million
American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War.
Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 9 February 1972
Year introduced 1977
Number produced 68 units
Average unit price $270 million
Wing area 23.0 m²
Wingspan 15.0 m
Height 2.7 m
Length 9.2 m
Maximum speed 254 km/h
Operational range 732 km
Service ceiling 5,486 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight 1,361 kg
Total thrust 1 x 336 kW
Wing area 283.0 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m
Height 12.6 m
Length 46.6 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km
Service ceiling 10,668 m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 599 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher service ceiling at 10,668 meters (35,000 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 29 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 68 units of the E-3 Sentry AWACS.