E-3 Sentry AWACS vs PA-32 Cherokee Six

The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the PA-32 Cherokee Six are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Piper respectively. The E-3 Sentry AWACS reaches 853 km/h — 3.7x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 1,361 km for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The E-3 Sentry AWACS operates at altitudes up to 10,668 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 147,417 kg MTOW, the E-3 Sentry AWACS is 151:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 7,842 for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 12 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS (1960 vs 1972).

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
American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services.
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 7842 units
Average unit price $-- million
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 9,752 kgf
Wing area 15.0 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m
Height 2.2 m
Length 7.1 m
Maximum speed 228 km/h
Operational range 1,361 km
Service ceiling 4,359 m
Max. takeoff weight 975 kg
Empty weight 545 kg
Total thrust 1 x 112 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 625 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher service ceiling at 10,668 meters (35,000 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 12 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 PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 68 units of the E-3 Sentry AWACS.