E-8 Joint STARS vs SR-20

The E-8 Joint STARS and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing/Northrop Grumman and Cirrus respectively. The E-8 Joint STARS reaches 853 km/h — 3.0x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The E-8 Joint STARS has an operational range of 6,821 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The E-8 Joint STARS operates at altitudes up to 12,802 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 152,407 kg MTOW, the E-8 Joint STARS is 110:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The E-8 Joint STARS has been produced in 17 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. Unit cost is $250M for the E-8 Joint STARS vs $0.63M for the SR-20. The E-8 Joint STARS first flew 1 years before the SR-20 (1994 vs 1995).

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 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 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 8,709 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-8 Joint STARS or SR-20?
The E-8 Joint STARS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 566 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-20?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a longer range at 6,821 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-20?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher service ceiling at 12,802 meters (42,001 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-20?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-20?
The E-8 Joint STARS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-20?
The E-8 Joint STARS is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-20?
The E-8 Joint STARS entered service first in 1996, 3 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.