E-3 Sentry AWACS vs E-6 Mercury TACAMO

Overview

The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the E-6 Mercury TACAMO are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs 966 km/h for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 12,000 km for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO operates at altitudes up to 12,192 m compared to 10,668 m for the E-3 Sentry AWACS.

The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 16 for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. Unit cost is $270M for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs $141M for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. The E-3 Sentry AWACS first flew 15 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO (1972 vs 1987).

E-3 Sentry AWACS

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 🇺🇸 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
→ View full E-3 Sentry AWACS details

E-6 Mercury TACAMO

American command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces.
Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO Other profile drawing
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
→ View full E-6 Mercury TACAMO details

E-3 Sentry AWACS

Wing area 283.0 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m ◉
Height 12.6 m ◉
Length 46.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 853 km/h ◉
Operational range 7,400 km ◉
Service ceiling 10,668 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg ◉
Empty weight 83,915 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 2,438 kgf ◉

E-6 Mercury TACAMO

Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 45.2 m ◉
Height 12.9 m ◉
Length 45.8 m ◉
Maximum speed 966 km/h ◉
Operational range 12,000 km ◉
Service ceiling 12,192 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg ◉
Empty weight 78,378 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 2,803 kgf ◉

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.

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