E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs EA-6B Prowler

American command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces.
Picture of E-6 Mercury TACAMO
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
American electronic warfare aircraft, vital during the Cold War, widely deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts.
Picture of EA-6B Prowler
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 25 May 1968
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 170 units
Average unit price $52 million
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 45.2 m â—‰
Height 12.9 m â—‰
Length 45.8 m â—‰
Maximum speed 966 km/h â—‰
Operational range 12,000 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,192 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 11,213 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO
Wing area 49.2 m²
Wingspan 16.0 m â—‰
Height 5.1 m â—‰
Length 18.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1048 km/h â—‰
Operational range 3,745 km â—‰
Service ceiling 11,460 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 27,896 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,134 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,717 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Grumman EA-6B Prowler

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EA-6B Prowler?
The EA-6B Prowler is faster with a maximum speed of 1,048 km/h compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 966 km/h, a difference of 82 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EA-6B Prowler?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 3,745 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EA-6B Prowler?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 11,460 meters (37,598 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EA-6B Prowler?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 27,896 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EA-6B Prowler?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 18.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EA-6B Prowler?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is more expensive at approximately $141 million per unit compared to the EA-6B Prowler at $52 million.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EA-6B Prowler?
The EA-6B Prowler entered service first in 1971, 18 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 EA-6B Prowler?
The EA-6B Prowler has been produced in greater numbers with 170 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.