E-3 Sentry AWACS vs S-3 Viking
Overview
The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the S-3 Viking are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Lockheed respectively.
Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs 815 km/h for the S-3 Viking. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 5,121 km for the S-3 Viking. The S-3 Viking operates at altitudes up to 12,466 m compared to 10,668 m for the E-3 Sentry AWACS. At 147,417 kg MTOW, the E-3 Sentry AWACS is 6.2x the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 188 for the S-3 Viking. Unit cost is $270M for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs $27M for the S-3 Viking.
| American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War. | |
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| 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 anti-submarine aircraft, operational during the Cold War, recognized for its service in Gulf War naval missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 21 January 1972 |
| Year introduced | 1974 |
| Number produced | 188 units |
| Average unit price | $27 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 2,438 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 56.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 21.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 7.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 16.3 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 815 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,121 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,466 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 23,831 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 12,057 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 2,104 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or S-3 Viking?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the S-3 Viking's 815 km/h, a difference of 38 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or S-3 Viking?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the S-3 Viking's 5,121 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or S-3 Viking?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or S-3 Viking?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the S-3 Viking's 16.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or S-3 Viking?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the S-3 Viking at $27 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking entered service first in 1974, 3 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 S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has been produced in greater numbers with 188 units compared to 68 units of the E-3 Sentry AWACS.