E-3 Sentry AWACS vs SR-20
Overview
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. | |
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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 civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training. | |
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| 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 | $630K |
| 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 | 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
Detailed Comparison
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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.