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P-3 Orion vs PA-32 Cherokee Six

Lockheed P-3 Orion military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 P-3 Orion
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 PA-32 Cherokee Six
Change comparison vs
Specifications
P-3 Orion PA-32 Cherokee Six
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Piper
First flight 19 August 1958 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1962 1965
Number produced 757 units 7842 units
Average unit price $36 million --
Wing area 121.0 m² 15.0 m²
Wingspan 30.4 m 9.0 m
Height 11.8 m 2.2 m
Length 35.6 m 7.1 m
Maximum speed 750 km/h 228 km/h
Operational range 2,491 km 1,361 km
Service ceiling 8,626 m 4,359 m
Max. takeoff weight 64,410 kg 975 kg
Empty weight 35,017 kg 545 kg
Total thrust 4 x 858 kW 1 x 112 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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).

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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.