E-4 NOAC vs E-6 Mercury TACAMO

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 command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces.
Picture of E-6 Mercury TACAMO
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
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 -- m²
Wingspan 45.2 m â—‰
Height 12.9 m â—‰
Length 45.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 966 km/h â—‰
Operational range 12,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,192 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 11,213 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO

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.