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PA-32 Cherokee Six vs S-3 Viking

Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 PA-32 Cherokee Six
Lockheed S-3 Viking military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-3 Viking
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Specifications
PA-32 Cherokee Six S-3 Viking
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper Lockheed
First flight 14 January 1960 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1965 1974
Number produced 7842 units 188 units
Average unit price -- $27 million
Wing area 15.0 m² 56.0 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m 21.0 m
Height 2.2 m 7.0 m
Length 7.1 m 16.3 m
Maximum speed 228 km/h 815 km/h
Operational range 1,361 km 5,121 km
Service ceiling 4,359 m 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 975 kg 23,831 kg
Empty weight 545 kg 12,057 kg
Total thrust 1 x 112 kW 2 x 4,207 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

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).

Related Comparisons
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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.