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E-3 Sentry AWACS vs SH-5

Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-3 Sentry AWACS
Harbin SH-5 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 SH-5
Change comparison vs
Specifications
E-3 Sentry AWACS SH-5
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Harbin
First flight 9 February 1972 3 April 1976
Year introduced 1977 1986
Number produced 68 units 7 units
Average unit price $270 million --
Wing area 283.0 m² 144.0 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m 36.0 m
Height 12.6 m 9.8 m
Length 46.6 m 38.9 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 556 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km 4,756 km
Service ceiling 10,668 m 10,250 m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg 45,000 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg 26,500 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf 4 x 2,349 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the SH-5 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Harbin respectively.

Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs 556 km/h for the SH-5. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 4,756 km for the SH-5. The E-3 Sentry AWACS operates at altitudes up to 10,668 m compared to 10,250 m for the SH-5. At 147,417 kg MTOW, the E-3 Sentry AWACS is 3.3x the SH-5's 45,000 kg.

The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 7 for the SH-5. The E-3 Sentry AWACS first flew 4 years before the SH-5 (1972 vs 1976).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SH-5?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the SH-5's 556 km/h, a difference of 297 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SH-5?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the SH-5's 4,756 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SH-5?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher service ceiling at 10,668 meters (35,000 ft) compared to the SH-5's 10,250 meters (33,628 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SH-5?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the SH-5's 45,000 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SH-5?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the SH-5's 38.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SH-5?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS entered service first in 1977, 9 years before the SH-5 which entered service in 1986.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SH-5?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 7 units of the SH-5.