E-3 Sentry AWACS vs Il-80

American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War.
Picture of E-3 Sentry AWACS
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
Soviet airborne command post, designed during the Cold War, most notably deployed in strategic air command scenarios.
Picture of Il-80
Origin country 🇨🇳 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin
First flight 5 March 1987
Year introduced 1992
Number produced 4 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 283.0 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m â—‰
Height 12.6 m
Length 46.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 853 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km
Service ceiling 10,668 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg â—‰
Empty weight 83,915 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 48.1 m â—‰
Height -- m
Length 59.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range -- km
Service ceiling 11,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 208,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 4 x 13,000 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Ilyushin Il-80

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of Il-80 by Dmitry Terekhov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Il-80?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the Il-80's 0 km/h, a difference of 853 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Il-80?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the Il-80's 0 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Il-80?
The Il-80 has a higher service ceiling at 11,000 meters (36,089 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Il-80?
The Il-80 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 208,000 kg compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 147,417 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Il-80?
The Il-80 is longer at 59.5 meters compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 46.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Il-80?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS entered service first in 1977, 15 years before the Il-80 which entered service in 1992.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Il-80?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 4 units of the Il-80.