E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs Il-80

Overview

The E-6 Mercury TACAMO and the Il-80 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Ilyushin respectively.

Top speed is 966 km/h for the E-6 Mercury TACAMO vs 850 km/h for the Il-80. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has an operational range of 12,000 km vs 4,000 km for the Il-80. The E-6 Mercury TACAMO operates at altitudes up to 12,192 m compared to 11,000 m for the Il-80.

The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has been produced in 16 units vs 4 for the Il-80.

American command-and-control aircraft, operative during the Cold War era, kept primarily for communications with U.S. nuclear forces.
Boeing E-6 Mercury TACAMO Other profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ 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
Soviet airborne command post, designed during the Cold War, most notably deployed in strategic air command scenarios.
Ilyushin Il-80 Other profile drawing
Origin country πŸ‡¨πŸ‡³ Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Ilyushin
First flight 5 March 1987
Year introduced 1992
Number produced 4 units
Average unit price --
Wingspan 45.2 m β—‰
Height 12.9 m
Length 45.8 m β—‰
Maximum speed 966 km/h β—‰
Operational range 12,000 km β—‰
Service ceiling 12,192 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 155,128 kg β—‰
Empty weight 78,378 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 2,803 kgf β—‰
Wingspan 48.1 m β—‰
Height -- m
Length 59.5 m β—‰
Maximum speed 850 km/h β—‰
Operational range 4,000 km β—‰
Service ceiling 11,000 m β—‰
Max. takeoff weight 208,000 kg β—‰
Empty weight 120,000 kg β—‰
Total thrust 4 x 3,250 kgf β—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Il-80?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO is faster with a maximum speed of 966 km/h compared to the Il-80's 850 km/h, a difference of 116 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Il-80?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a longer range at 12,000 km compared to the Il-80's 4,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Il-80?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has a higher service ceiling at 12,192 meters (40,000 ft) compared to the Il-80's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Il-80?
The Il-80 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 208,000 kg compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 155,128 kg.
Which is larger, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Il-80?
The Il-80 is longer at 59.5 meters compared to the E-6 Mercury TACAMO's 45.8 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Il-80?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO entered service first in 1989, 3 years before the Il-80 which entered service in 1992.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-6 Mercury TACAMO or Il-80?
The E-6 Mercury TACAMO has been produced in greater numbers with 16 units compared to 4 units of the Il-80.