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E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs S-3 Viking

E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs S-3 Viking at a glance — top speed 966 vs 815 km/h, range 12,000 vs 5,121 km, max takeoff weight 155,128 vs 23,831 kg, built 16 vs 188 units.

Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-6 Mercury TACAMO
Lockheed S-3 Viking military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-3 Viking
Specifications
E-6 Mercury TACAMO S-3 Viking
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Lockheed
First flight 19 February 1987 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1989 1974
Number produced 16 units 188 units
Average unit price $141 million $27 million
Wing area -- m² 56.0 m²
Wingspan 45.2 m 21.0 m
Height 12.9 m 7.0 m
Length 45.8 m 16.3 m
Maximum speed 966 km/h 815 km/h
Operational range 12,000 km 5,121 km
Service ceiling 12,192 m 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg 23,831 kg
Empty weight 78,378 kg 12,057 kg
Total thrust 4 x 11,213 kgf 2 x 4,207 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or S-3 Viking?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the S-3 Viking's 815 km/h, a difference of 151 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or S-3 Viking?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the S-3 Viking's 5,121 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 12,192 meters (40,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or S-3 Viking?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or S-3 Viking?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the S-3 Viking's 16.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or S-3 Viking?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is more expensive at approximately $141 million per unit compared to the S-3 Viking at $27 million.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking 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-6 Mercury TACAMO or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has been produced in greater numbers with 188 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.