E-4 NOAC vs EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA

American advanced airborne command post, launched during the Cold War, extensively employed for national emergency operations.
Picture of E-4 NOAC
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
American electronic surveillance and relay aircraft, involved largely in Cold War and Space Race-era operations.
Picture of EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 1 January 1961
Year introduced 1968
Number produced 45 units
Average unit price $150 million
Wing area 510.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 59.7 m â—‰
Height 19.3 m â—‰
Length 70.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 969 km/h â—‰
Operational range 12,600 km â—‰
Service ceiling 13,716 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 374,850 kg â—‰
Empty weight 190,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 23,814 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing E-4 NOAC
Wing area 223.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 31.6 m â—‰
Height 12.7 m â—‰
Length 43.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 927 km/h â—‰
Operational range 8,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 10,058 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 136,304 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,165 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-4 NOAC or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-4 NOAC is faster with a maximum speed of 969 km/h compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 927 km/h, a difference of 42 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-4 NOAC or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-4 NOAC has a longer range at 12,600 km compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 8,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-4 NOAC or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher service ceiling at 13,716 meters (45,000 ft) compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 10,058 meters (32,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-4 NOAC or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-4 NOAC has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 374,850 kg compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 136,304 kg.
Which is larger, the E-4 NOAC or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-4 NOAC is longer at 70.5 meters compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 43.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-4 NOAC or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-4 NOAC is more expensive at approximately $223 million per unit compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA at $150 million.
Which entered service first, the E-4 NOAC or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA entered service first in 1968, 6 years before the E-4 NOAC which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-4 NOAC or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has been produced in greater numbers with 45 units compared to 4 units of the E-4 NOAC.