E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs SR-20

The E-6 Mercury TACAMO and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Cirrus respectively. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO reaches 966 km/h — 3.4x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has an operational range of 12,000 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO operates at altitudes up to 12,192 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 155,128 kg MTOW, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO is 112:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has been produced in 16 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. Unit cost is $141M for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs $0.63M for the SR-20. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO first flew 8 years before the SR-20 (1987 vs 1995).

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 civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training.
Cirrus SR-20 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Cirrus
First flight 21 March 1995
Year introduced 1999
Number produced 1459 units
Average unit price $0.6 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 13.5 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.0 m
Maximum speed 287 km/h
Operational range 1,450 km
Service ceiling 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,383 kg
Empty weight 943 kg
Total thrust 1 x 149 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or SR-20?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 679 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or SR-20?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or SR-20?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or SR-20?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or SR-20?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or SR-20?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is more expensive at approximately $141 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or SR-20?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO entered service first in 1989, 10 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.