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S-2 Tracker vs Tu-142

Grumman S-2 Tracker military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 S-2 Tracker
Tupolev Tu-142 military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-142
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Specifications
S-2 Tracker Tu-142
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Russia
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Tupolev
First flight 4 November 1952 18 June 1968
Year introduced 1954 1972
Number produced 1284 units 100 units
Average unit price -- --
Wing area 45.0 m² 311.1 m²
Wingspan 22.2 m 50.0 m
Height 5.4 m 12.1 m
Length 13.3 m 53.1 m
Maximum speed 450 km/h 925 km/h
Operational range 2,172 km 6,500 km
Service ceiling 6,706 m 12,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 11,860 kg 185,000 kg
Empty weight 8,308 kg 90,000 kg
Total thrust 2 x 569 kW 4 x 2,758 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The S-2 Tracker and the Tu-142 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Tupolev respectively.

The Tu-142 reaches 925 km/h — 2.1x the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h. The S-2 Tracker has an operational range of 2,172 km vs 6,500 km for the Tu-142. The Tu-142 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 6,706 m for the S-2 Tracker. At 185,000 kg MTOW, the Tu-142 is 16:1 the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.

The S-2 Tracker has been produced in 1,284 units vs 100 for the Tu-142. The S-2 Tracker first flew 16 years before the Tu-142 (1952 vs 1968).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the S-2 Tracker or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 is faster with a maximum speed of 925 km/h compared to the S-2 Tracker's 450 km/h, a difference of 475 km/h.
Which has longer range, the S-2 Tracker or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has a longer range at 6,500 km compared to the S-2 Tracker's 2,172 km.
Which can fly higher, the S-2 Tracker or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the S-2 Tracker's 6,706 meters (22,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the S-2 Tracker or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 185,000 kg compared to the S-2 Tracker's 11,860 kg.
Which is larger, the S-2 Tracker or Tu-142?
The Tu-142 is longer at 53.1 meters compared to the S-2 Tracker's 13.3 meters.
Which entered service first, the S-2 Tracker or Tu-142?
The S-2 Tracker entered service first in 1954, 18 years before the Tu-142 which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the S-2 Tracker or Tu-142?
The S-2 Tracker has been produced in greater numbers with 1,284 units compared to 100 units of the Tu-142.