E-3 Sentry AWACS vs E-6 Mercury TACAMO
| American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 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 |
| American command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 19 February 1987 |
| Year introduced | 1989 |
| Number produced | 16 units |
| Average unit price | $141 million |
| Wing area | 283.0 m² |
| Wingspan | 44.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 12.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 46.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 853 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,400 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 10,668 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 147,417 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 83,915 kg |
| Total thrust | 4 x 9,752 kgf â—‰ |
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| Wing area | -- m² |
| Wingspan | 45.2 m â—‰ |
| Height | 12.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 45.8 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 966 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 12,000 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 12,192 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 155,128 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | -- kg |
| Total thrust | 4 x 11,213 kgf â—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 853 km/h, a difference of 113 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 7,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 147,417 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 45.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO at $141 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS entered service first in 1977, 12 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO which entered service in 1989.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.