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E-4 NOAC vs E-6 Mercury TACAMO

Boeing E-4 NOAC military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-4 NOAC
Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-6 Mercury TACAMO
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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

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 2.4:1 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).

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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.