P-3 Orion vs SR-20

The P-3 Orion and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Cirrus respectively. The P-3 Orion reaches 750 km/h — 2.6x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The P-3 Orion has an operational range of 2,491 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The P-3 Orion operates at altitudes up to 8,626 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 64,410 kg MTOW, the P-3 Orion is 47:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The P-3 Orion has been produced in 757 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. Unit cost is $36M for the P-3 Orion vs $0.63M for the SR-20. The P-3 Orion first flew 37 years before the SR-20 (1958 vs 1995).

American maritime patrol aircraft, actively used in the Cold War, notable for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance operations.
Lockheed P-3 Orion Other profile drawing
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 civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training.
Cirrus SR-20 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Cirrus
First flight 21 March 1995
Year introduced 1999
Number produced 1459 units
Average unit price $0.6 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 13.5 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.0 m
Maximum speed 287 km/h
Operational range 1,450 km
Service ceiling 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,383 kg
Empty weight 943 kg
Total thrust 1 x 149 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the P-3 Orion or SR-20?
The P-3 Orion is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 463 km/h.
Which has longer range, the P-3 Orion or SR-20?
The P-3 Orion has a longer range at 2,491 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the P-3 Orion or SR-20?
The P-3 Orion has a higher service ceiling at 8,626 meters (28,300 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the P-3 Orion or SR-20?
The P-3 Orion has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 64,410 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the P-3 Orion or SR-20?
The P-3 Orion is longer at 35.6 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the P-3 Orion or SR-20?
The P-3 Orion is more expensive at approximately $36 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the P-3 Orion or SR-20?
The P-3 Orion entered service first in 1962, 37 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the P-3 Orion or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 757 units of the P-3 Orion.