DHC-2 Beaver vs E-8 Joint STARS

The DHC-2 Beaver and the E-8 Joint STARS are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by De Havilland Canada and Boeing/Northrop Grumman respectively. The E-8 Joint STARS 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 6,821 km for the E-8 Joint STARS. The E-8 Joint STARS operates at altitudes up to 12,802 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in 1,657 units vs 17 for the E-8 Joint STARS. Unit cost is $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver vs $250M for the E-8 Joint STARS. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 47 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1947 vs 1994).

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, instrumental during Persian Gulf War, primarily deployed for surveillance and ground-target tracking missions.
Boeing/Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing/Northrop Grumman
First flight 1 January 1994
Year introduced 1996
Number produced 17 units
Average unit price $250 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 283.4 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m
Height 13.0 m
Length 46.6 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h
Operational range 6,821 km
Service ceiling 12,802 m
Max. takeoff weight 152,407 kg
Empty weight 77,564 kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,709 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS 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-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a longer range at 6,821 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher service ceiling at 12,802 meters (42,001 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS 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-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-8 Joint STARS?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 48 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DHC-2 Beaver or E-8 Joint STARS?
The DHC-2 Beaver has been produced in greater numbers with 1,657 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.