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E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs S-3 Viking

Overview

The E-6 Mercury TACAMO and the S-3 Viking are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 966 km/h for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs 815 km/h for the S-3 Viking. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has an operational range of 12,000 km vs 5,121 km for the S-3 Viking. The S-3 Viking operates at altitudes up to 12,466 m compared to 12,192 m for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO. At 155,128 kg MTOW, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO is 6.5x the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.

The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has been produced in 16 units vs 188 for the S-3 Viking. Unit cost is $141M for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs $27M for the S-3 Viking. The S-3 Viking first flew 15 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO (1972 vs 1987).

E-6 Mercury TACAMO

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 military special mission aircraft side 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
→ View full E-6 Mercury TACAMO details

S-3 Viking

American anti-submarine aircraft, operational during the Cold War, recognized for its service in Gulf War naval missions.
Lockheed S-3 Viking military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1974
Number produced 188 units
Average unit price $27 million
→ View full S-3 Viking details

E-6 Mercury TACAMO

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 78,378 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 2,803 kgf ◉

S-3 Viking

Wing area 56.0 m²
Wingspan 21.0 m ◉
Height 7.0 m ◉
Length 16.3 m ◉
Maximum speed 815 km/h ◉
Operational range 5,121 km ◉
Service ceiling 12,466 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 23,831 kg ◉
Empty weight 12,057 kg ◉
Total thrust 2 x 2,104 kgf ◉

Performance Radar Chart

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.

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