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EA-6B Prowler vs S-3 Viking

Grumman EA-6B Prowler military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EA-6B Prowler
Lockheed S-3 Viking military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-3 Viking
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Specifications
EA-6B Prowler S-3 Viking
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Lockheed
First flight 25 May 1968 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1971 1974
Number produced 170 units 188 units
Average unit price $52 million $27 million
Wing area 49.2 m² 56.0 m²
Wingspan 16.0 m 21.0 m
Height 5.1 m 7.0 m
Length 18.0 m 16.3 m
Maximum speed 1048 km/h 815 km/h
Operational range 3,745 km 5,121 km
Service ceiling 11,460 m 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,896 kg 23,831 kg
Empty weight 14,134 kg 12,057 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,717 kgf 2 x 4,207 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The EA-6B Prowler and the S-3 Viking are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 1,048 km/h for the EA-6B Prowler vs 815 km/h for the S-3 Viking. The EA-6B Prowler has an operational range of 3,745 km vs 5,121 km for the S-3 Viking. The S-3 Viking operates at altitudes up to 12,466 m compared to 11,460 m for the EA-6B Prowler.

The EA-6B Prowler has been produced in 170 units vs 188 for the S-3 Viking. Unit cost is $52M for the EA-6B Prowler vs $27M for the S-3 Viking. The EA-6B Prowler first flew 4 years before the S-3 Viking (1968 vs 1972).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EA-6B Prowler or S-3 Viking?
The EA-6B Prowler is faster with a maximum speed of 1,048 km/h compared to the S-3 Viking's 815 km/h, a difference of 233 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EA-6B Prowler or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a longer range at 5,121 km compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 3,745 km.
Which can fly higher, the EA-6B Prowler or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 11,460 meters (37,598 ft).
Which is heavier, the EA-6B Prowler or S-3 Viking?
The EA-6B Prowler has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 27,896 kg compared to the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.
Which is larger, the EA-6B Prowler or S-3 Viking?
The EA-6B Prowler is longer at 18.0 meters compared to the S-3 Viking's 16.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the EA-6B Prowler or S-3 Viking?
The EA-6B Prowler is more expensive at approximately $52 million per unit compared to the S-3 Viking at $27 million.
Which entered service first, the EA-6B Prowler or S-3 Viking?
The EA-6B Prowler entered service first in 1971, 3 years before the S-3 Viking which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EA-6B Prowler or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has been produced in greater numbers with 188 units compared to 170 units of the EA-6B Prowler.