E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs King Air 90

The E-6 Mercury TACAMO and the King Air 90 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Beechcraft respectively. Top speed is 966 km/h for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs 494 km/h for the King Air 90. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has an operational range of 12,000 km vs 2,446 km for the King Air 90. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO operates at altitudes up to 12,192 m compared to 7,574 m for the King Air 90. At 155,128 kg MTOW, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO is 29:1 the King Air 90's 5,352 kg. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has been produced in 16 units vs 3,100 for the King Air 90. The King Air 90 first flew 23 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO (1964 vs 1987).

American command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces.
Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO Other profile drawing
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 twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
Beechcraft King Air 90 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft
First flight 1 January 1964
Year introduced 1964
Number produced 3100 units
Average unit price $-- 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—‰
Wing area 26.0 m²
Wingspan 13.8 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 11.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 494 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,446 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,574 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,217 kg
Total thrust 2 x 626 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or King Air 90?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 472 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or King Air 90?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the King Air 90's 2,446 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or King Air 90?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or King Air 90?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the King Air 90's 5,352 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or King Air 90?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the King Air 90's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 entered service first in 1964, 25 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 King Air 90?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.