E-3 Sentry AWACS vs SR-20

The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Cirrus respectively. The E-3 Sentry AWACS reaches 853 km/h — 3.0x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The E-3 Sentry AWACS operates at altitudes up to 10,668 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 147,417 kg MTOW, the E-3 Sentry AWACS is 107:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. Unit cost is $270M for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs $0.63M for the SR-20. The E-3 Sentry AWACS first flew 23 years before the SR-20 (1972 vs 1995).

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 civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training.
Cirrus SR-20 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Cirrus
First flight 21 March 1995
Year introduced 1999
Number produced 1459 units
Average unit price $0.6 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 13.5 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.0 m
Maximum speed 287 km/h
Operational range 1,450 km
Service ceiling 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,383 kg
Empty weight 943 kg
Total thrust 1 x 149 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SR-20?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 566 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SR-20?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SR-20?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher service ceiling at 10,668 meters (35,000 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SR-20?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SR-20?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SR-20?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SR-20?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS entered service first in 1977, 22 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 68 units of the E-3 Sentry AWACS.