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E-2 Hawkeye vs E-8 Joint STARS

Grumman E-2 Hawkeye military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-2 Hawkeye
Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-8 Joint STARS
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Specifications
E-2 Hawkeye E-8 Joint STARS
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Northrop Grumman
First flight 21 October 1960 1 January 1994
Year introduced 1964 1996
Number produced 313 units 17 units
Average unit price $232 million $250 million
Wing area 65.0 m² 283.4 m²
Wingspan 24.6 m 44.4 m
Height 5.6 m 13.0 m
Length 17.6 m 46.6 m
Maximum speed 648 km/h 853 km/h
Operational range 2,708 km 6,821 km
Service ceiling 10,577 m 12,802 m
Max. takeoff weight 57,500 kg 152,407 kg
Empty weight 19,536 kg 77,564 kg
Total thrust 2 x 3,803 kW 4 x 8,709 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The E-2 Hawkeye and the E-8 Joint STARS are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and 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 2.7:1 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).

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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.