DHC-2 Beaver vs E-4 NOAC

The DHC-2 Beaver and the E-4 NOAC are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Boeing respectively. The E-4 NOAC reaches 969 km/h — 3.8x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 12,600 km for the E-4 NOAC. The E-4 NOAC operates at altitudes up to 13,716 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 4 for the E-4 NOAC. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $223M for the E-4 NOAC. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 33 years before the E-4 NOAC (1947 vs 1980).

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 advanced airborne command post, launched during the Cold War, extensively employed for national emergency operations.
Boeing E-4 NOAC Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 1 January 1980
Year introduced 1974
Number produced 4 units
Average unit price $223 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 510.0 m²
Wingspan 59.7 m
Height 19.3 m
Length 70.5 m
Maximum speed 969 km/h
Operational range 12,600 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m
Max. takeoff weight 374,850 kg
Empty weight 190,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 23,814 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC is faster with a maximum speed of 969 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 715 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC has a longer range at 12,600 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 374,850 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC is longer at 70.5 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC is more expensive at approximately $223 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-4 NOAC?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 26 years before the E-4 NOAC which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-4 NOAC?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 4 units of the E-4 NOAC.