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P-3 Orion vs U-2 Dragon Lady

P-3 Orion vs U-2 Dragon Lady at a glance — top speed 750 vs 805 km/h, range 2,491 vs 11,280 km, max takeoff weight 64,410 vs 18,144 kg, built 757 vs 104 units.

Lockheed P-3 Orion military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 P-3 OrionFull specs
Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 U-2 Dragon LadyFull specs
Specifications
P-3 Orion U-2 Dragon Lady
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed Lockheed
First flight 19 August 1958 1 August 1955
Year introduced 1962 1956
Number produced 757 units 104 units
Average unit price $36 million $50 million
Wing area 121.0 m² 93.0 m²
Wingspan 30.4 m 31.0 m
Height 11.8 m 4.9 m
Length 35.6 m 19.2 m
Maximum speed 750 km/h 805 km/h
Operational range 2,491 km 11,280 km
Service ceiling 8,626 m 21,336 m
Max. takeoff weight 64,410 kg 18,144 kg
Empty weight 35,017 kg 6,486 kg
Total thrust 4 x 3,430 kW 1 x 7,711 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the P-3 Orion or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is faster with a maximum speed of 805 km/h compared to the P-3 Orion's 750 km/h, a difference of 55 km/h.
Which has longer range, the P-3 Orion or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the P-3 Orion's 2,491 km.
Which can fly higher, the P-3 Orion 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 P-3 Orion's 8,626 meters (28,300 ft).
Which is heavier, the P-3 Orion or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The P-3 Orion has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 64,410 kg compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg.
Which is larger, the P-3 Orion or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The P-3 Orion is longer at 35.6 meters compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 19.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the P-3 Orion or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady is more expensive at approximately $50 million per unit compared to the P-3 Orion at $36 million.
Which entered service first, the P-3 Orion or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 6 years before the P-3 Orion which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the P-3 Orion or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The P-3 Orion has been produced in greater numbers with 757 units compared to 104 units of the U-2 Dragon Lady.