E-8 Joint STARS vs S-2 Tracker
The E-8 Joint STARS and the S-2 Tracker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing/Northrop Grumman and Grumman respectively. Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-8 Joint STARS vs 450 km/h for the S-2 Tracker. The E-8 Joint STARS has an operational range of 6,821 km vs 2,172 km for the S-2 Tracker. The E-8 Joint STARS operates at altitudes up to 12,802 m compared to 6,706 m for the S-2 Tracker. At 152,407 kg MTOW, the E-8 Joint STARS is 13:1 the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg. The E-8 Joint STARS has been produced in 17 units vs 1,284 for the S-2 Tracker. The S-2 Tracker first flew 42 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1952 vs 1994).
| American command and control aircraft, instrumental during Persian Gulf War, primarily deployed for surveillance and ground-target tracking missions. | |
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| 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 carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, notably used in the Vietnam and Korean Wars. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Grumman |
| First flight | 4 November 1952 |
| Year introduced | 1954 |
| Number produced | 1284 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 | 45.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 22.2 m â—‰ |
| Height | 5.4 m â—‰ |
| Length | 13.3 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 450 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 2,172 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 6,706 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 11,860 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 8,308 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 1,137 kW â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the E-8 Joint STARS or S-2 Tracker?
The E-8 Joint STARS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h, a difference of 403 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-8 Joint STARS or S-2 Tracker?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a longer range at 6,821 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-8 Joint STARS or S-2 Tracker?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher service ceiling at 12,802 meters (42,001 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-8 Joint STARS or S-2 Tracker?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
Which is larger, the E-8 Joint STARS or S-2 Tracker?
The E-8 Joint STARS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the S-2 Tracker's 13.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-8 Joint STARS or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 42 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 S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.