E-3 Sentry AWACS vs E-4 NOAC

Overview

The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the E-4 NOAC are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs 969 km/h for the E-4 NOAC. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 12,600 km for the E-4 NOAC. The E-4 NOAC operates at altitudes up to 13,716 m compared to 10,668 m for the E-3 Sentry AWACS. At 374,850 kg MTOW, the E-4 NOAC is 2.5x the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 147,417 kg.

The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 4 for the E-4 NOAC. Unit cost is $270M for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs $223M for the E-4 NOAC. The E-3 Sentry AWACS first flew 8 years before the E-4 NOAC (1972 vs 1980).

E-3 Sentry AWACS

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
→ View full E-3 Sentry AWACS details

E-4 NOAC

American advanced airborne command post, launched during the Cold War, extensively employed for national emergency operations.
Boeing E-4 NOAC Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 1 January 1980
Year introduced 1974
Number produced 4 units
Average unit price $223 million
→ View full E-4 NOAC details

E-3 Sentry AWACS

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 ◉

E-4 NOAC

Wing area 510.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 59.7 m ◉
Height 19.3 m ◉
Length 70.5 m ◉
Maximum speed 969 km/h ◉
Operational range 12,600 km ◉
Service ceiling 13,716 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 374,850 kg ◉
Empty weight 190,000 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 5,954 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC is faster with a maximum speed of 969 km/h compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 853 km/h, a difference of 116 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC has a longer range at 12,600 km compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 7,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 374,850 kg compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 147,417 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC is longer at 70.5 meters compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 46.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-4 NOAC?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the E-4 NOAC at $223 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or E-4 NOAC?
The E-4 NOAC entered service first in 1974, 3 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 E-4 NOAC?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 4 units of the E-4 NOAC.

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