PA-32 Cherokee Six vs S-3 Viking

The PA-32 Cherokee Six and the S-3 Viking are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Piper and Lockheed respectively. The S-3 Viking reaches 815 km/h — 3.6x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The PA-32 Cherokee Six has an operational range of 1,361 km vs 5,121 km for the S-3 Viking. The S-3 Viking operates at altitudes up to 12,466 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 23,831 kg MTOW, the S-3 Viking is 24:1 the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg. The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in 7,842 units vs 188 for the S-3 Viking. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 12 years before the S-3 Viking (1960 vs 1972).

American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services.
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Other profile drawing
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 --
American anti-submarine aircraft, operational during the Cold War, recognized for its service in Gulf War naval missions.
Lockheed S-3 Viking Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
First flight 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1974
Number produced 188 units
Average unit price $27 million
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
Wing area 56.0 m²
Wingspan 21.0 m
Height 7.0 m
Length 16.3 m
Maximum speed 815 km/h
Operational range 5,121 km
Service ceiling 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 23,831 kg
Empty weight 12,057 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,104 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking is faster with a maximum speed of 815 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 587 km/h.
Which has longer range, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a longer range at 5,121 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,831 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking is longer at 16.3 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or S-3 Viking?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 9 years before the S-3 Viking which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the PA-32 Cherokee Six or S-3 Viking?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six has been produced in greater numbers with 7,842 units compared to 188 units of the S-3 Viking.