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E-3 Sentry AWACS vs KJ-500

E-3 Sentry AWACS vs KJ-500 at a glance — top speed 853 vs 550 km/h, range 7,400 vs 5,700 km, max takeoff weight 147,417 vs 77,000 kg, built 68 vs 60 units.

Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-3 Sentry AWACS
Shaanxi KJ-500 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 KJ-500
Specifications
E-3 Sentry AWACS KJ-500
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Shaanxi
First flight 9 February 1972 --
Year introduced 1977 2018
Number produced 68 units 60 units
Average unit price $270 million --
Wing area 283.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 44.4 m -- m
Height 12.6 m -- m
Length 46.6 m -- m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 550 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km 5,700 km
Service ceiling 10,668 m -- m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg 77,000 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf --
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KJ-500?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the KJ-500's 550 km/h, a difference of 303 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KJ-500?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the KJ-500's 5,700 km.
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KJ-500?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the KJ-500's 77,000 kg.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KJ-500?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS entered service first in 1977, 41 years before the KJ-500 which entered service in 2018.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or KJ-500?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 60 units of the KJ-500.