E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs EC-130 Commando Solo

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
American electronic operations aircraft, deployed extensively during conflicts from Vietnam to recent operations in the Middle East.
Picture of EC-130 Commando Solo
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 January 1957
Year introduced 1975
Number produced 14 units
Average unit price $150 million
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
Wing area 162.0 m²
Wingspan 40.3 m â—‰
Height 11.8 m â—‰
Length 29.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 671 km/h â—‰
Operational range 4,300 km â—‰
Service ceiling 8,534 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 74,389 kg â—‰
Empty weight 34,274 kg
Total thrust 4 x 4,474 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed Martin EC-130 Commando Solo

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of EC-130 Commando Solo by US Air Force.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 671 km/h, a difference of 295 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 4,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 74,389 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 29.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO at $141 million.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo entered service first in 1975, 14 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO which entered service in 1989.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has been produced in greater numbers with 16 units compared to 14 units of the EC-130 Commando Solo.