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EF-111 Raven vs U-2 Dragon Lady

Grumman EF-111 Raven military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EF-111 Raven
Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 U-2 Dragon Lady
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Specifications
EF-111 Raven U-2 Dragon Lady
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Lockheed
First flight 1 January 1977 1 August 1955
Year introduced 1981 1956
Number produced 42 units 104 units
Average unit price $65 million $50 million
Wing area 48.8 m² 93.0 m²
Wingspan 19.2 m 31.0 m
Height 5.0 m 4.9 m
Length 23.5 m 19.0 m
Maximum speed 2350 km/h 805 km/h
Operational range 3,220 km 11,280 km
Service ceiling 17,000 m 21,336 m
Max. takeoff weight 39,680 kg 18,144 kg
Empty weight 24,230 kg 6,486 kg
Total thrust 2 x 8,390 kgf 1 x 8,618 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The EF-111 Raven and the U-2 Dragon Lady are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Lockheed respectively.

The EF-111 Raven reaches 2,350 km/h — 2.9:1 the U-2 Dragon Lady's 805 km/h. The EF-111 Raven has an operational range of 3,220 km vs 11,280 km for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady operates at altitudes up to 21,336 m compared to 17,000 m for the EF-111 Raven. At 39,680 kg MTOW, the EF-111 Raven is 2.2:1 the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg.

The EF-111 Raven has been produced in 42 units vs 104 for the U-2 Dragon Lady. Unit cost is $65M for the EF-111 Raven vs $50M for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 22 years before the EF-111 Raven (1955 vs 1977).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EF-111 Raven or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The EF-111 Raven is faster with a maximum speed of 2,350 km/h compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 805 km/h, a difference of 1,545 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EF-111 Raven or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the EF-111 Raven's 3,220 km.
Which can fly higher, the EF-111 Raven or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the EF-111 Raven's 17,000 meters (55,774 ft).
Which is heavier, the EF-111 Raven or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The EF-111 Raven has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 39,680 kg compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg.
Which is larger, the EF-111 Raven or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The EF-111 Raven is longer at 23.5 meters compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 19.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the EF-111 Raven or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The EF-111 Raven is more expensive at approximately $65 million per unit compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady at $50 million.
Which entered service first, the EF-111 Raven or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 25 years before the EF-111 Raven which entered service in 1981.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EF-111 Raven or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 42 units of the EF-111 Raven.