King Air 90 vs U-2 Dragon Lady
The King Air 90 and the U-2 Dragon Lady are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Beechcraft and Lockheed respectively. Top speed is 494 km/h for the King Air 90 vs 805 km/h for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The King Air 90 has an operational range of 2,446 km vs 11,280 km for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady operates at altitudes up to 21,336 m compared to 7,574 m for the King Air 90. At 18,144 kg MTOW, the U-2 Dragon Lady is 3.4x the King Air 90's 5,352 kg. The King Air 90 has been produced in 3,100 units vs 104 for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 9 years before the King Air 90 (1955 vs 1964).
| American twin-turboprop aircraft, prominently deployed for utility, corporate, and military purposes from the 1960s onward. | |
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| 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 high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, known for extensive Cold War era operations and various military applications worldwide. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 1 August 1955 |
| Year introduced | 1956 |
| Number produced | 104 units |
| Average unit price | $50 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 626 kW â—‰ |
| Wing area | 93.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 31.0 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 19.0 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 805 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 11,280 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 21,336 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 18,144 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 6,486 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 8,618 kgf â—‰ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the King Air 90 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the King Air 90's 494 km/h, a difference of 311 km/h.
Which has longer range, the King Air 90 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the King Air 90's 2,446 km.
Which can fly higher, the King Air 90 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the King Air 90's 7,574 meters (24,849 ft).
Which is heavier, the King Air 90 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 18,144 kg compared to the King Air 90's 5,352 kg.
Which is larger, the King Air 90 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is longer at 19.0 meters compared to the King Air 90's 11.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the King Air 90 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 8 years before the King Air 90 which entered service in 1964.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the King Air 90 or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The King Air 90 has been produced in greater numbers with 3,100 units compared to 104 units of the U-2 Dragon Lady.