King Air 90 vs S-3 Viking

The King Air 90 and the S-3 Viking are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beechcraft and Lockheed respectively. Top speed is 494 km/h for the King Air 90 vs 815 km/h for the S-3 Viking. The King Air 90 has an operational range of 2,446 km vs 5,121 km for the S-3 Viking. The S-3 Viking operates at altitudes up to 12,466 m compared to 7,574 m for the King Air 90. At 23,831 kg MTOW, the S-3 Viking is 4.5x the King Air 90's 5,352 kg. The King Air 90 has been produced in 3,100 units vs 188 for the S-3 Viking. The King Air 90 first flew 8 years before the S-3 Viking (1964 vs 1972).

American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward.
Beechcraft King Air 90 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft
First flight 1 January 1964
Year introduced 1964
Number produced 3100 units
Average unit price --
American anti-submarine aircraft, operational during the Cold War, recognized for its service in Gulf War naval missions.
Lockheed S-3 Viking Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1974
Number produced 188 units
Average unit price $27 million
Wing area 26.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.8 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 11.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 494 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,446 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,574 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg â—‰
Empty weight 3,217 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 313 kW â—‰
Wing area 56.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 21.0 m â—‰
Height 7.0 m â—‰
Length 16.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 815 km/h â—‰
Operational range 5,121 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,466 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 23,831 kg â—‰
Empty weight 12,057 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 2,104 kgf â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the King Air 90 or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking is faster with a maximum speed of 815 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 321 km/h.
Which has longer range, the King Air 90 or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a longer range at 5,121 km compared to the King Air 90's 2,446 km.
Which can fly higher, the King Air 90 or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the King Air 90 or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,831 kg compared to the King Air 90's 5,352 kg.
Which is larger, the King Air 90 or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking is longer at 16.3 meters compared to the King Air 90's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the King Air 90 or S-3 Viking?
The King Air 90 entered service first in 1964, 10 years before the S-3 Viking which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the King Air 90 or S-3 Viking?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 188 units of the S-3 Viking.