E-8 Joint STARS vs PA-32 Cherokee Six

Overview

The E-8 Joint STARS and the PA-32 Cherokee Six are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing/Northrop Grumman and Piper respectively.

The E-8 Joint STARS reaches 853 km/h — 3.7x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The E-8 Joint STARS has an operational range of 6,821 km vs 1,361 km for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The E-8 Joint STARS operates at altitudes up to 12,802 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 152,407 kg MTOW, the E-8 Joint STARS is 156:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.

The E-8 Joint STARS has been produced in 17 units vs 7,842 for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 34 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1960 vs 1994).

E-8 Joint STARS

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
→ View full E-8 Joint STARS details

PA-32 Cherokee Six

American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services.
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 7842 units
Average unit price --
→ View full PA-32 Cherokee Six details

E-8 Joint STARS

Wing area 283.4 m² ◉
Wingspan 44.4 m ◉
Height 13.0 m ◉
Length 46.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 853 km/h ◉
Operational range 6,821 km ◉
Service ceiling 12,802 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 152,407 kg ◉
Empty weight 77,564 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 2,177 kgf ◉

PA-32 Cherokee Six

Wing area 15.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 9.0 m ◉
Height 2.2 m ◉
Length 7.1 m ◉
Maximum speed 228 km/h ◉
Operational range 1,361 km ◉
Service ceiling 4,359 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 975 kg ◉
Empty weight 545 kg ◉
Total thrust 1 x 112 kW ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-8 Joint STARS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-8 Joint STARS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 625 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-8 Joint STARS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a longer range at 6,821 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-8 Joint STARS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher service ceiling at 12,802 meters (42,001 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-8 Joint STARS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the E-8 Joint STARS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The E-8 Joint STARS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-8 Joint STARS or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 31 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 PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.

Related Comparisons

E-8 Joint STARS vs King Air 90 E-8 Joint STARS vs DHC-2 Beaver E-8 Joint STARS vs 747 E-8 Joint STARS vs SR-20 E-8 Joint STARS vs S-2 Tracker E-8 Joint STARS vs 707
2025 GlobalMilitary.net • About • Privacy • Terms • Dark theme