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E-4 NOAC vs E-6 Mercury TACAMO

E-4 NOAC vs E-6 Mercury TACAMO at a glance — top speed 969 vs 966 km/h, range 12,600 vs 12,000 km, max takeoff weight 374,850 vs 155,128 kg, built 4 vs 16 units.

Boeing E-4 NOAC military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-4 NOAC
Specifications
E-4 NOAC E-6 Mercury TACAMO
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Boeing
First flight 1 January 1980 19 February 1987
Year introduced 1974 1989
Number produced 4 units 16 units
Average unit price $223 million $141 million
Wing area 510.0 m² -- m²
Wingspan 59.7 m 45.2 m
Height 19.3 m 12.9 m
Length 70.5 m 45.8 m
Maximum speed 969 km/h 966 km/h
Operational range 12,600 km 12,000 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 12,192 m
Max. takeoff weight 374,850 kg 155,128 kg
Empty weight 190,000 kg 78,378 kg
Total thrust 4 x 23,814 kgf 4 x 11,213 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-4 NOAC or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-4 NOAC is faster with a maximum speed of 969 km/h compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 966 km/h, a difference of 3 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-4 NOAC or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-4 NOAC has a longer range at 12,600 km compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 12,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-4 NOAC or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 12,192 meters (40,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-4 NOAC or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 374,850 kg compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 155,128 kg.
Which is larger, the E-4 NOAC or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-4 NOAC is longer at 70.5 meters compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 45.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-4 NOAC or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-4 NOAC is more expensive at approximately $223 million per unit compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO at $141 million.
Which entered service first, the E-4 NOAC or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-4 NOAC entered service first in 1974, 15 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO which entered service in 1989.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-4 NOAC or E-6 Mercury TACAMO?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has been produced in greater numbers with 16 units compared to 4 units of the E-4 NOAC.