DHC-2 Beaver vs E-6 Mercury TACAMO

The DHC-2 Beaver and the E-6 Mercury TACAMO are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Boeing respectively. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO reaches 966 km/h — 3.8x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The DHC-2 Beaver has an operational range of 732 km vs 12,000 km for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO operates at altitudes up to 12,192 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 16 for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $141M for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 40 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO (1947 vs 1987).

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 command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces.
Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 19 February 1987
Year introduced 1989
Number produced 16 units
Average unit price $141 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 -- m²
Wingspan 45.2 m
Height 12.9 m
Length 45.8 m
Maximum speed 966 km/h
Operational range 12,000 km
Service ceiling 12,192 m
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 11,213 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 712 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is more expensive at approximately $141 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 41 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO which entered service in 1989.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.