E-8 Joint STARS vs King Air 90

The E-8 Joint STARS and the King Air 90 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing/Northrop Grumman and Beechcraft respectively. Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-8 Joint STARS vs 494 km/h for the King Air 90. The E-8 Joint STARS has an operational range of 6,821 km vs 2,446 km for the King Air 90. The E-8 Joint STARS operates at altitudes up to 12,802 m compared to 7,574 m for the King Air 90. At 152,407 kg MTOW, the E-8 Joint STARS is 28:1 the King Air 90's 5,352 kg. The E-8 Joint STARS has been produced in 17 units vs 3,100 for the King Air 90. The King Air 90 first flew 30 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1964 vs 1994).

American command and control aircraft, instrumental during Persian Gulf War, primarily deployed for surveillance and ground-target tracking missions.
Boeing/Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing/Northrop Grumman
First flight 1 January 1994
Year introduced 1996
Number produced 17 units
Average unit price $250 million
American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
Beechcraft King Air 90 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft
First flight 1 January 1964
Year introduced 1964
Number produced 3100 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 283.4 m² ◉
Wingspan 44.4 m â—‰
Height 13.0 m â—‰
Length 46.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 853 km/h â—‰
Operational range 6,821 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,802 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 152,407 kg â—‰
Empty weight 77,564 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 8,709 kgf â—‰
Wing area 26.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.8 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 11.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 494 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,446 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,574 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,217 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 626 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-8 Joint STARS or King Air 90?
The E-8 Joint STARS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 359 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-8 Joint STARS or King Air 90?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a longer range at 6,821 km compared to the King Air 90's 2,446 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-8 Joint STARS or King Air 90?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher service ceiling at 12,802 meters (42,001 ft) compared to the King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-8 Joint STARS or King Air 90?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the King Air 90's 5,352 kg.
Which is larger, the E-8 Joint STARS or King Air 90?
The E-8 Joint STARS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the King Air 90's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-8 Joint STARS or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 entered service first in 1964, 32 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-8 Joint STARS or King Air 90?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.