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Il-38 May vs S-3 Viking

Ilyushin Il-38 May military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Il-38 May
Lockheed S-3 Viking military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-3 Viking
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Il-38 May S-3 Viking
Origin country 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin Lockheed
First flight 27 September 1961 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1967 1974
Number produced 58 units 188 units
Average unit price -- $27 million
Wing area 140.0 m² 56.0 m²
Wingspan 37.4 m 21.0 m
Height 10.2 m 7.0 m
Length 40.1 m 16.3 m
Maximum speed 650 km/h 815 km/h
Operational range 7,500 km 5,121 km
Service ceiling 11,000 m 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 66,000 kg 23,831 kg
Empty weight 34,630 kg 12,057 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,126 kW 2 x 4,207 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Il-38 May and the S-3 Viking are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Ilyushin and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 650 km/h for the Il-38 May vs 815 km/h for the S-3 Viking. The Il-38 May has an operational range of 7,500 km vs 5,121 km for the S-3 Viking. The S-3 Viking operates at altitudes up to 12,466 m compared to 11,000 m for the Il-38 May. At 66,000 kg MTOW, the Il-38 May is 2.8x the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.

The Il-38 May has been produced in 58 units vs 188 for the S-3 Viking. The Il-38 May first flew 11 years before the S-3 Viking (1961 vs 1972).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Il-38 May or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking is faster with a maximum speed of 815 km/h compared to the Il-38 May's 650 km/h, a difference of 165 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Il-38 May or S-3 Viking?
The Il-38 May has a longer range at 7,500 km compared to the S-3 Viking's 5,121 km.
Which can fly higher, the Il-38 May or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the Il-38 May's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the Il-38 May or S-3 Viking?
The Il-38 May has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 66,000 kg compared to the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.
Which is larger, the Il-38 May or S-3 Viking?
The Il-38 May is longer at 40.1 meters compared to the S-3 Viking's 16.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the Il-38 May or S-3 Viking?
The Il-38 May entered service first in 1967, 7 years before the S-3 Viking which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Il-38 May or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has been produced in greater numbers with 188 units compared to 58 units of the Il-38 May.