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King Air 90 vs S-3 Viking

Beechcraft King Air 90 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 King Air 90
Lockheed S-3 Viking military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-3 Viking
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Specifications
King Air 90 S-3 Viking
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft Lockheed
First flight 1 January 1964 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1964 1974
Number produced 3100 units 188 units
Average unit price -- $27 million
Wing area 26.0 m² 56.0 m²
Wingspan 13.8 m 21.0 m
Height 4.7 m 7.0 m
Length 11.9 m 16.3 m
Maximum speed 494 km/h 815 km/h
Operational range 2,446 km 5,121 km
Service ceiling 7,574 m 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,352 kg 23,831 kg
Empty weight 3,217 kg 12,057 kg
Total thrust 2 x 626 kW 2 x 4,207 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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).

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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.