E-3 Sentry AWACS vs Tu-126 Moss

Overview

The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the Tu-126 Moss are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Tupolev respectively.

Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs 790 km/h for the Tu-126 Moss. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 7,000 km for the Tu-126 Moss. The Tu-126 Moss operates at altitudes up to 10,700 m compared to 10,668 m for the E-3 Sentry AWACS.

The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 9 for the Tu-126 Moss. The Tu-126 Moss first flew 10 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS (1962 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 πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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
Soviet airborne early warning and control aircraft, developed in the late 1950s and early 1960s, operated during the Cold War from 1965 to 1984.
Tupolev Tu-126 Moss Other profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Tupolev
First flight 23 January 1962
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 9 units
Average unit price --
Wing area 283.0 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 44.4 m β—‰
Height 12.6 m β—‰
Length 46.6 m β—‰
Maximum speed 853 km/h β—‰
Operational range 7,400 km β—‰
Service ceiling 10,668 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg β—‰
Empty weight 83,915 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 2,438 kgf β—‰
Wing area 311.1 mΒ² β—‰
Wingspan 51.4 m β—‰
Height 16.1 m β—‰
Length 56.5 m β—‰
Maximum speed 790 km/h β—‰
Operational range 7,000 km β—‰
Service ceiling 10,700 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 171,000 kg β—‰
Empty weight 103,000 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 2,758 kW β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 790 km/h, a difference of 63 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 7,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss has a higher service ceiling at 10,700 meters (35,104 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 171,000 kg compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 147,417 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss is longer at 56.5 meters compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 46.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss 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 Tu-126 Moss?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 9 units of the Tu-126 Moss.