P-3 Orion vs S-2 Tracker

American maritime patrol aircraft, actively used in the Cold War, notable for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance operations.
Picture of P-3 Orion
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 carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft, deployed during the Cold War, notably used in the Vietnam and Korean Wars.
Picture of S-2 Tracker
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman
First flight 4 November 1952
Year introduced 1954
Number produced 1284 units
Average unit price $-- million
Wing area 121.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 30.4 m â—‰
Height 11.8 m â—‰
Length 35.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 750 km/h
Operational range 2,491 km â—‰
Service ceiling 8,626 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 64,410 kg â—‰
Empty weight 35,017 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 3,430 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed P-3 Orion
Wing area 45.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 22.2 m â—‰
Height 5.4 m â—‰
Length 13.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed -- km/h
Operational range 2,172 km â—‰
Service ceiling 6,706 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 11,860 kg â—‰
Empty weight 8,308 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 1,137 kW â—‰
Profile drawing of Grumman S-2 Tracker

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of S-2 Tracker by US Navy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the P-3 Orion or S-2 Tracker?
The P-3 Orion is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 0 km/h, a difference of 750 km/h.
Which has longer range, the P-3 Orion or S-2 Tracker?
The P-3 Orion has a longer range at 2,491 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the P-3 Orion or S-2 Tracker?
The P-3 Orion has a higher service ceiling at 8,626 meters (28,300 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the P-3 Orion or S-2 Tracker?
The P-3 Orion has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 64,410 kg compared to the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
Which is larger, the P-3 Orion or S-2 Tracker?
The P-3 Orion is longer at 35.6 meters compared to the S-2 Tracker's 13.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the P-3 Orion or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 8 years before the P-3 Orion which entered service in 1962.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the P-3 Orion or S-2 Tracker?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 757 units of the P-3 Orion.