E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs PA-32 Cherokee Six

The E-6 Mercury TACAMO and the PA-32 Cherokee Six are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Piper respectively. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO reaches 966 km/h — 4.2x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has an operational range of 12,000 km vs 1,361 km for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO operates at altitudes up to 12,192 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 155,128 kg MTOW, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO is 159:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has been produced in 16 units vs 7,842 for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 27 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO (1960 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 light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services.
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 7842 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 45.2 m
Height 12.9 m
Length 45.8 m
Maximum speed 966 km/h
Operational range 12,000 km
Service ceiling 12,192 m
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 11,213 kgf
Wing area 15.0 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m
Height 2.2 m
Length 7.1 m
Maximum speed 228 km/h
Operational range 1,361 km
Service ceiling 4,359 m
Max. takeoff weight 975 kg
Empty weight 545 kg
Total thrust 1 x 112 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 738 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 24 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 PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.