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E-4 NOAC vs E-8 Joint STARS

Boeing E-4 NOAC military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-4 NOAC
Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-8 Joint STARS
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Specifications
E-4 NOAC E-8 Joint STARS
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Northrop Grumman
First flight 1 January 1980 1 January 1994
Year introduced 1974 1996
Number produced 4 units 17 units
Average unit price $223 million $250 million
Wing area 510.0 m² 283.4 m²
Wingspan 59.7 m 44.4 m
Height 19.3 m 13.0 m
Length 70.5 m 46.6 m
Maximum speed 969 km/h 853 km/h
Operational range 12,600 km 6,821 km
Service ceiling 13,716 m 12,802 m
Max. takeoff weight 374,850 kg 152,407 kg
Empty weight 190,000 kg 77,564 kg
Total thrust 4 x 23,814 kgf 4 x 8,709 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The E-4 NOAC and the E-8 Joint STARS are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Northrop Grumman respectively.

Top speed is 969 km/h for the E-4 NOAC vs 853 km/h for the E-8 Joint STARS. The E-4 NOAC has an operational range of 12,600 km vs 6,821 km for the E-8 Joint STARS. The E-4 NOAC operates at altitudes up to 13,716 m compared to 12,802 m for the E-8 Joint STARS. At 374,850 kg MTOW, the E-4 NOAC is 2.5:1 the E-8 Joint STARS's 152,407 kg.

The E-4 NOAC has been produced in 4 units vs 17 for the E-8 Joint STARS. Unit cost is $223M for the E-4 NOAC vs $250M for the E-8 Joint STARS. The E-4 NOAC first flew 14 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1980 vs 1994).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-4 NOAC or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-4 NOAC is faster with a maximum speed of 969 km/h compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 853 km/h, a difference of 116 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-4 NOAC or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-4 NOAC has a longer range at 12,600 km compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 6,821 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-4 NOAC or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 12,802 meters (42,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-4 NOAC or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 374,850 kg compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 152,407 kg.
Which is larger, the E-4 NOAC or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-4 NOAC is longer at 70.5 meters compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 46.6 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-4 NOAC or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the E-4 NOAC at $223 million.
Which entered service first, the E-4 NOAC or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-4 NOAC entered service first in 1974, 22 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-4 NOAC or E-8 Joint STARS?
The E-8 Joint STARS has been produced in greater numbers with 17 units compared to 4 units of the E-4 NOAC.