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E-3 Sentry AWACS vs EC-130 Commando Solo

E-3 Sentry AWACS vs EC-130 Commando Solo at a glance — top speed 853 vs 671 km/h, range 7,400 vs 4,300 km, max takeoff weight 147,417 vs 74,389 kg, built 68 vs 14 units.

Specifications
E-3 Sentry AWACS EC-130 Commando Solo
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Lockheed Martin
First flight 9 February 1972 1 January 1957
Year introduced 1977 1975
Number produced 68 units 14 units
Average unit price $270 million $150 million
Wing area 283.0 m² 162.0 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m 40.3 m
Height 12.6 m 11.8 m
Length 46.6 m 29.7 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 671 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km 4,300 km
Service ceiling 10,668 m 8,534 m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg 74,389 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg 34,274 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf 4 x 4,474 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 671 km/h, a difference of 182 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 4,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher service ceiling at 10,668 meters (35,000 ft) compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 74,389 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 29.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo at $150 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo entered service first in 1975, 2 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 14 units of the EC-130 Commando Solo.