P-3 Orion vs PA-32 Cherokee Six
The P-3 Orion and the PA-32 Cherokee Six are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Piper respectively. The P-3 Orion reaches 750 km/h — 3.3x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The P-3 Orion has an operational range of 2,491 km vs 1,361 km for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The P-3 Orion operates at altitudes up to 8,626 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 64,410 kg MTOW, the P-3 Orion is 66:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg. The P-3 Orion has been produced in 757 units vs 7,842 for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The P-3 Orion first flew 2 years before the PA-32 Cherokee Six (1958 vs 1960).
| American maritime patrol aircraft, actively used in the Cold War, notable for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance operations. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 19 August 1958 |
| Year introduced | 1962 |
| Number produced | 757 units |
| Average unit price | $36 million |
| American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Piper |
| First flight | 14 January 1960 |
| Year introduced | 1965 |
| Number produced | 7842 units |
| Average unit price | $-- million |
| Wing area | 121.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 30.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 11.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 35.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 750 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 2,491 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 8,626 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 64,410 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 35,017 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 3,430 kW ◉ |
| Wing area | 15.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 9.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 2.2 m ◉ |
| Length | 7.1 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 228 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,361 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,359 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 975 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 545 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 112 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the P-3 Orion or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The P-3 Orion is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 522 km/h.
Which has longer range, the P-3 Orion or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The P-3 Orion has a longer range at 2,491 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the P-3 Orion or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The P-3 Orion has a higher service ceiling at 8,626 meters (28,300 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the P-3 Orion or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The P-3 Orion has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 64,410 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the P-3 Orion or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The P-3 Orion is longer at 35.6 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the P-3 Orion or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The P-3 Orion entered service first in 1962, 3 years before the PA-32 Cherokee Six which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the P-3 Orion or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 757 units of the P-3 Orion.