P-3 Orion vs S-3 Viking

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 anti-submarine aircraft, operational during the Cold War, recognized for its service in Gulf War naval missions.
Picture of S-3 Viking
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 121.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 30.4 m â—‰
Height 11.8 m â—‰
Length 35.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 750 km/h â—‰
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 56.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 21.0 m â—‰
Height 7.0 m â—‰
Length 16.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 815 km/h â—‰
Operational range 5,121 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,466 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 23,831 kg â—‰
Empty weight 12,057 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 4,207 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Lockheed S-3 Viking

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the P-3 Orion or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking is faster with a maximum speed of 815 km/h compared to the P-3 Orion's 750 km/h, a difference of 65 km/h.
Which has longer range, the P-3 Orion or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a longer range at 5,121 km compared to the P-3 Orion's 2,491 km.
Which can fly higher, the P-3 Orion or S-3 Viking?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the P-3 Orion's 8,626 meters (28,300 ft).
Which is heavier, the P-3 Orion or S-3 Viking?
The P-3 Orion has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 64,410 kg compared to the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.
Which is larger, the P-3 Orion or S-3 Viking?
The P-3 Orion is longer at 35.6 meters compared to the S-3 Viking's 16.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the P-3 Orion or S-3 Viking?
The P-3 Orion is more expensive at approximately $36 million per unit compared to the S-3 Viking at $27 million.
Which entered service first, the P-3 Orion or S-3 Viking?
The P-3 Orion entered service first in 1962, 12 years before the S-3 Viking which entered service in 1974.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the P-3 Orion or S-3 Viking?
The P-3 Orion has been produced in greater numbers with 757 units compared to 188 units of the S-3 Viking.