E-2 Hawkeye vs E-8 Joint STARS

American all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft, significant for its Cold War to contemporary deployments.
Picture of E-2 Hawkeye
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 21 October 1960
Year introduced 1964
Number produced 313 units
Average unit price $232 million
American command and control aircraft, instrumental during Persian Gulf War, primarily deployed for surveillance and ground-target tracking missions.
Picture of E-8 Joint STARS
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 65.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 24.6 m â—‰
Height 5.6 m â—‰
Length 17.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 648 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,708 km
Service ceiling 10,577 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 57,500 kg â—‰
Empty weight 19,536 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 3,803 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Grumman E-2 Hawkeye
Wing area 283.4 m² ◉
Wingspan 44.4 m â—‰
Height 13.0 m â—‰
Length 46.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 853 km/h â—‰
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 12,802 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 152,407 kg â—‰
Empty weight 77,564 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 8,709 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing/Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 648 km/h, a difference of 205 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-2 Hawkeye has a longer range at 2,708 km compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-2 Hawkeye 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 E-2 Hawkeye's 10,577 meters (34,701 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 57,500 kg.
Which is larger, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 17.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the E-2 Hawkeye at $232 million.
Which entered service first, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-2 Hawkeye entered service first in 1964, 32 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-2 Hawkeye has been produced in greater numbers with 313 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.