E-3 Sentry AWACS vs EC-130 Commando Solo

Overview

The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the EC-130 Commando Solo are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Lockheed Martin respectively.

Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs 671 km/h for the EC-130 Commando Solo. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 4,300 km for the EC-130 Commando Solo. The E-3 Sentry AWACS operates at altitudes up to 10,668 m compared to 8,534 m for the EC-130 Commando Solo.

The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 14 for the EC-130 Commando Solo. Unit cost is $270M for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs $150M for the EC-130 Commando Solo. The EC-130 Commando Solo first flew 15 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS (1957 vs 1972).

E-3 Sentry AWACS

American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War.
Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 9 February 1972
Year introduced 1977
Number produced 68 units
Average unit price $270 million
→ View full E-3 Sentry AWACS details

EC-130 Commando Solo

American electronic operations aircraft, deployed extensively during conflicts from Vietnam to recent operations in the Middle East.
Lockheed Martin EC-130 Commando Solo Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
First flight 1 January 1957
Year introduced 1975
Number produced 14 units
Average unit price $150 million
→ View full EC-130 Commando Solo details

E-3 Sentry AWACS

Wing area 283.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 44.4 m ◉
Height 12.6 m ◉
Length 46.6 m ◉
Maximum speed 853 km/h ◉
Operational range 7,400 km ◉
Service ceiling 10,668 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg ◉
Empty weight 83,915 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 2,438 kgf ◉

EC-130 Commando Solo

Wing area 162.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 40.3 m ◉
Height 11.8 m ◉
Length 29.7 m ◉
Maximum speed 671 km/h ◉
Operational range 4,300 km ◉
Service ceiling 8,534 m ◉
Max. takeoff weight 74,389 kg ◉
Empty weight 34,274 kg ◉
Total thrust 4 x 1,119 kW ◉

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 671 km/h, a difference of 182 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 4,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher service ceiling at 10,668 meters (35,000 ft) compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 8,534 meters (27,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 74,389 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo's 29.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the EC-130 Commando Solo at $150 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The EC-130 Commando Solo entered service first in 1975, 2 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or EC-130 Commando Solo?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 14 units of the EC-130 Commando Solo.

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