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E-3 Sentry AWACS vs ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle

E-3 Sentry AWACS vs ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle at a glance — top speed 853 vs 660 km/h, range 7,400 vs 5,615 km, max takeoff weight 147,417 vs 61,000 kg, built 68 vs 4 units.

Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-3 Sentry AWACSFull specs
Shaanxi ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇳 ZDK-03 Karakoram EagleFull specs
Specifications
E-3 Sentry AWACS ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇳 China
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Shaanxi
First flight 9 February 1972 1 January 2010
Year introduced 1977 2011
Number produced 68 units 4 units
Average unit price $270 million --
Wing area 283.0 m² 121.9 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m 38.0 m
Height 12.6 m 11.2 m
Length 46.6 m 34.0 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 660 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km 5,615 km
Service ceiling 10,668 m 10,400 m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg 61,000 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg 35,490 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf 4 x 3,170 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle's 660 km/h, a difference of 193 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle's 5,615 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher service ceiling at 10,668 meters (35,000 ft) compared to the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle's 10,400 meters (34,120 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle's 61,000 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle's 34.0 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS entered service first in 1977, 34 years before the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle which entered service in 2011.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 4 units of the ZDK-03 Karakoram Eagle.