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E-3 Sentry AWACS vs E-8 Joint STARS

Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-3 Sentry AWACS
Boeing/Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-8 Joint STARS
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Specifications
E-3 Sentry AWACS E-8 Joint STARS
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing/Northrop Grumman
First flight 9 February 1972 1 January 1994
Year introduced 1977 1996
Number produced 68 units 17 units
Average unit price $270 million $250 million
Wing area 283.0 m² 283.4 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m 44.4 m
Height 12.6 m 13.0 m
Length 46.6 m 46.6 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 853 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km 6,821 km
Service ceiling 10,668 m 12,802 m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg 152,407 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg 77,564 kg
Total thrust 4 x 2,438 kgf 4 x 2,177 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the E-8 Joint STARS are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing/Northrop Grumman respectively.

Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs 853 km/h for the E-8 Joint STARS. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 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 10,668 m for the E-3 Sentry AWACS.

The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 17 for the E-8 Joint STARS. Unit cost is $270M for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs $250M for the E-8 Joint STARS. The E-3 Sentry AWACS first flew 22 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1972 vs 1994).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 853 km/h, a difference of 0 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 6,821 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS 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-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 147,417 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 46.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the E-8 Joint STARS at $250 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS entered service first in 1977, 19 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.