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P-3 Orion vs Tu-142

Lockheed P-3 Orion military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 P-3 Orion
Tupolev Tu-142 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-142
Change comparison vs
Specifications
P-3 Orion Tu-142
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Tupolev
First flight 19 August 1958 18 June 1968
Year introduced 1962 1972
Number produced 757 units 100 units
Average unit price $36 million --
Wing area 121.0 m² 311.1 m²
Wingspan 30.4 m 50.0 m
Height 11.8 m 12.1 m
Length 35.6 m 53.1 m
Maximum speed 750 km/h 925 km/h
Operational range 2,491 km 6,500 km
Service ceiling 8,626 m 12,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 64,410 kg 185,000 kg
Empty weight 35,017 kg 90,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 858 kW 4 x 2,758 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The P-3 Orion and the Tu-142 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Tupolev respectively.

Top speed is 750 km/h for the P-3 Orion vs 925 km/h for the Tu-142. The P-3 Orion has an operational range of 2,491 km vs 6,500 km for the Tu-142. The Tu-142 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 8,626 m for the P-3 Orion. At 185,000 kg MTOW, the Tu-142 is 2.9x the P-3 Orion's 64,410 kg.

The P-3 Orion has been produced in 757 units vs 100 for the Tu-142. The P-3 Orion first flew 10 years before the Tu-142 (1958 vs 1968).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the P-3 Orion or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 is faster with a maximum speed of 925 km/h compared to the P-3 Orion's 750 km/h, a difference of 175 km/h.
Which has longer range, the P-3 Orion or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has a longer range at 6,500 km compared to the P-3 Orion's 2,491 km.
Which can fly higher, the P-3 Orion or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the P-3 Orion's 8,626 meters (28,300 ft).
Which is heavier, the P-3 Orion or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 185,000 kg compared to the P-3 Orion's 64,410 kg.
Which is larger, the P-3 Orion or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 is longer at 53.1 meters compared to the P-3 Orion's 35.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the P-3 Orion or Tu-142?
The P-3 Orion entered service first in 1962, 10 years before the Tu-142 which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the P-3 Orion or Tu-142?
The P-3 Orion has been produced in greater numbers with 757 units compared to 100 units of the Tu-142.