E-2 Hawkeye vs E-8 Joint STARS

Overview

The E-2 Hawkeye and the E-8 Joint STARS are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Boeing/Northrop Grumman respectively.

Top speed is 648 km/h for the E-2 Hawkeye vs 853 km/h for the E-8 Joint STARS. The E-2 Hawkeye has an operational range of 2,708 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 10,577 m for the E-2 Hawkeye. At 152,407 kg MTOW, the E-8 Joint STARS is 2.7x the E-2 Hawkeye's 57,500 kg.

The E-2 Hawkeye has been produced in 313 units vs 17 for the E-8 Joint STARS. Unit cost is $232M for the E-2 Hawkeye vs $250M for the E-8 Joint STARS. The E-2 Hawkeye first flew 34 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1960 vs 1994).

E-2 Hawkeye

American all-weather, carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft, significant for its Cold War to contemporary deployments.
Grumman E-2 Hawkeye Other profile drawing
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
→ View full E-2 Hawkeye details

E-8 Joint STARS

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
→ View full E-8 Joint STARS details

E-2 Hawkeye

Wing area 65.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 24.6 m ◉
Height 5.6 m ◉
Length 17.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 648 km/h ◉
Operational range 2,708 km ◉
Service ceiling 10,577 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 57,500 kg ◉
Empty weight 19,536 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 1,902 kW ◉

E-8 Joint STARS

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 2,177 kgf ◉

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-8 Joint STARS has a longer range at 6,821 km compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 2,708 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.

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