E-2 Hawkeye vs E-3 Sentry AWACS

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 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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 airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War.
Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS Other profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 9 February 1972
Year introduced 1977
Number produced 68 units
Average unit price $270 million
Wing area 65.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 24.6 m β—‰
Height 5.6 m β—‰
Length 17.6 m β—‰
Maximum speed 648 km/h β—‰
Operational range 2,708 km β—‰
Service ceiling 10,577 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 57,500 kg β—‰
Empty weight 19,536 kg β—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,902 kW β—‰
Wing area 283.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 44.4 m β—‰
Height 12.6 m β—‰
Length 46.6 m β—‰
Maximum speed 853 km/h β—‰
Operational range 7,400 km β—‰
Service ceiling 10,668 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg β—‰
Empty weight 83,915 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 2,438 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS 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-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 2,708 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher service ceiling at 10,668 meters (35,000 ft) compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 10,577 meters (34,701 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the E-2 Hawkeye's 57,500 kg.
Which is larger, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS 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-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the E-2 Hawkeye at $232 million.
Which entered service first, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-2 Hawkeye entered service first in 1964, 13 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-2 Hawkeye or E-3 Sentry AWACS?
The E-2 Hawkeye has been produced in greater numbers with 313 units compared to 68 units of the E-3 Sentry AWACS.