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S-2 Tracker vs S-3 Viking

Grumman S-2 Tracker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-2 Tracker
Lockheed S-3 Viking military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-3 Viking
Change comparison vs
Specifications
S-2 Tracker S-3 Viking
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Lockheed
First flight 4 November 1952 21 January 1972
Year introduced 1954 1974
Number produced 1284 units 188 units
Average unit price -- $27 million
Wing area 45.0 m² 56.0 m²
Wingspan 22.2 m 21.0 m
Height 5.4 m 7.0 m
Length 13.3 m 16.3 m
Maximum speed 450 km/h 815 km/h
Operational range 2,172 km 5,121 km
Service ceiling 6,706 m 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,860 kg 23,831 kg
Empty weight 8,308 kg 12,057 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,137 kW 2 x 4,207 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The S-2 Tracker and the S-3 Viking are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 450 km/h for the S-2 Tracker vs 815 km/h for the S-3 Viking. The S-2 Tracker has an operational range of 2,172 km vs 5,121 km for the S-3 Viking. The S-3 Viking operates at altitudes up to 12,466 m compared to 6,706 m for the S-2 Tracker. At 23,831 kg MTOW, the S-3 Viking is 2.0x the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.

The S-2 Tracker has been produced in 1,284 units vs 188 for the S-3 Viking. The S-2 Tracker first flew 20 years before the S-3 Viking (1952 vs 1972).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the S-2 Tracker or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking is faster with a maximum speed of 815 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h, a difference of 365 km/h.
Which has longer range, the S-2 Tracker or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a longer range at 5,121 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the S-2 Tracker or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the S-2 Tracker or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,831 kg compared to the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
Which is larger, the S-2 Tracker or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking is longer at 16.3 meters compared to the S-2 Tracker's 13.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the S-2 Tracker or S-3 Viking?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 20 years before the S-3 Viking which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the S-2 Tracker or S-3 Viking?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 188 units of the S-3 Viking.