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E-3 Sentry AWACS vs EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA

E-3 Sentry AWACS vs EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA at a glance — top speed 853 vs 927 km/h, range 7,400 vs 8,300 km, max takeoff weight 147,417 vs 136,304 kg, built 68 vs 45 units.

Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-3 Sentry AWACS
Boeing EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA
Specifications
E-3 Sentry AWACS EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 9 February 1972 1 January 1961
Year introduced 1977 1968
Number produced 68 units 45 units
Average unit price $270 million $150 million
Wing area 283.0 m² 223.0 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m 31.6 m
Height 12.6 m 12.7 m
Length 46.6 m 43.1 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 927 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km 8,300 km
Service ceiling 10,668 m 10,058 m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg 136,304 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg 44,663 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf 4 x 8,165 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is faster with a maximum speed of 927 km/h compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 853 km/h, a difference of 74 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a longer range at 8,300 km compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 7,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher service ceiling at 10,668 meters (35,000 ft) compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 10,058 meters (32,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 136,304 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 43.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA at $150 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA entered service first in 1968, 9 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-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 45 units of the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA.