E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs Tu-142
Overview
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO and the Tu-142 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Tupolev respectively.
Top speed is 966 km/h for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs 925 km/h for the Tu-142. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has an operational range of 12,000 km vs 6,500 km for the Tu-142. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO operates at altitudes up to 12,192 m compared to 12,000 m for the Tu-142.
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has been produced in 16 units vs 100 for the Tu-142. The Tu-142 first flew 19 years before the E-6 Mercury TACAMO (1968 vs 1987).
| American command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces. | |
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| 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 |
| Soviet/Russian maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, introduced in the late 20th century, operated by the Russian and Indian navies. | |
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| Origin country | 🇷🇺 Russia |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Tupolev |
| First flight | 18 June 1968 |
| Year introduced | 1972 |
| Number produced | 100 units |
| Average unit price | -- |
| 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 ◉ |
| Wing area | 311.1 m² |
| Wingspan | 50.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 12.1 m ◉ |
| Length | 53.1 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 925 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 6,500 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 185,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 90,000 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,758 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Tu-142?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the Tu-142's 925 km/h, a difference of 41 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Tu-142?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the Tu-142's 6,500 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Tu-142?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the Tu-142's 12,000 meters (39,370 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 185,000 kg compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 155,128 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 is longer at 53.1 meters compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 45.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 entered service first in 1972, 17 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 Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has been produced in greater numbers with 100 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.