EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA vs S-2 Tracker

The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA and the S-2 Tracker are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Grumman respectively. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA reaches 927 km/h — 2.1x the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has an operational range of 8,300 km vs 2,172 km for the S-2 Tracker. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA operates at altitudes up to 10,058 m compared to 6,706 m for the S-2 Tracker. At 136,304 kg MTOW, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is 11:1 the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg. The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has been produced in 45 units vs 1,284 for the S-2 Tracker. The S-2 Tracker first flew 9 years before the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA (1952 vs 1961).

American electronic surveillance and relay aircraft, involved largely in Cold War and Space Race-era operations.
Boeing EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA Other profile drawing
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
American carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, notably used in the Vietnam and Korean Wars.
Grumman S-2 Tracker Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 4 November 1952
Year introduced 1954
Number produced 1284 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 223.0 m²
Wingspan 31.6 m
Height 12.7 m
Length 43.1 m
Maximum speed 927 km/h
Operational range 8,300 km
Service ceiling 10,058 m
Max. takeoff weight 136,304 kg
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,165 kgf
Wing area 45.0 m²
Wingspan 22.2 m
Height 5.4 m
Length 13.3 m
Maximum speed 450 km/h
Operational range 2,172 km
Service ceiling 6,706 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,860 kg
Empty weight 8,308 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,137 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or S-2 Tracker?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is faster with a maximum speed of 927 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h, a difference of 477 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or S-2 Tracker?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a longer range at 8,300 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or S-2 Tracker?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a higher service ceiling at 10,058 meters (32,998 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or S-2 Tracker?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 136,304 kg compared to the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
Which is larger, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or S-2 Tracker?
The EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA is longer at 43.1 meters compared to the S-2 Tracker's 13.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 14 years before the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA which entered service in 1968.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 45 units of the EC-135 / EC-18 ARIA.