E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA
| American command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces. | |
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| 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 surveillance and relay aircraft, involved largely in Cold War and Space Race-era operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 1 January 1961 |
| Year introduced | 1968 |
| Number produced | 45 units |
| Average unit price | $150 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—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 11,213 kgf â—‰ |
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| Wing area | 223.0 m² |
| Wingspan | 31.6 m â—‰ |
| Height | 12.7 m â—‰ |
| Length | 43.1 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 927 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 8,300 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 10,058 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 136,304 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 8,165 kgf â—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 927 km/h, a difference of 39 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 8,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 10,058 meters (32,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 155,128 kg compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 136,304 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is longer at 45.8 meters compared to the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA's 43.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is more expensive at approximately $150 million per unit compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO at $141 million.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA entered service first in 1968, 21 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 EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has been produced in greater numbers with 45 units compared to 16 units of the E-6 Mercury TACAMO.