E-4 NOAC vs E-6 Mercury TACAMO

Overview

The E-4 NOAC and the E-6 Mercury TACAMO are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Boeing respectively.

Top speed is 969 km/h for the E-4 NOAC vs 966 km/h for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. The E-4 NOAC has an operational range of 12,600 km vs 12,000 km for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. The E-4 NOAC operates at altitudes up to 13,716 m compared to 12,192 m for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. At 374,850 kg MTOW, the E-4 NOAC is 2.4x the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 155,128 kg.

The E-4 NOAC has been produced in 4 units vs 16 for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. Unit cost is $223M for the E-4 NOAC vs $141M for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. The E-4 NOAC first flew 7 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO (1980 vs 1987).

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-6 Mercury TACAMO

American command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces.
Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 19 February 1987
Year introduced 1989
Number produced 16 units
Average unit price $141 million
→ View full E-6 Mercury TACAMO details

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 ◉

E-6 Mercury TACAMO

Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 45.2 m ◉
Height 12.9 m ◉
Length 45.8 m ◉
Maximum speed 966 km/h ◉
Operational range 12,000 km ◉
Service ceiling 12,192 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg ◉
Empty weight 78,378 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 2,803 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

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.

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