S-3 Viking vs US-2

The S-3 Viking and the US-2 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and ShinMaywa respectively. Top speed is 815 km/h for the S-3 Viking vs 560 km/h for the US-2. The S-3 Viking has an operational range of 5,121 km vs 4,700 km for the US-2. The S-3 Viking operates at altitudes up to 12,466 m compared to 7,195 m for the US-2. At 47,700 kg MTOW, the US-2 is 2.0x the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg. The S-3 Viking has been produced in 188 units vs 8 for the US-2. Unit cost is $27M for the S-3 Viking vs $113M for the US-2. The S-3 Viking first flew 31 years before the US-2 (1972 vs 2003).

American anti-submarine aircraft, operational during the Cold War, recognized for its service in Gulf War naval missions.
Lockheed S-3 Viking Other profile drawing
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
Japanese amphibious aircraft, prominently utilized for air-sea rescue operations, predominantly during the early 21st century.
ShinMaywa US-2 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇯🇵 Japan
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer ShinMaywa
First flight 18 December 2003
Year introduced 2007
Number produced 8 units
Average unit price $113 million
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 2,104 kgf â—‰
Wing area 136.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 33.2 m â—‰
Height 9.8 m â—‰
Length 33.5 m â—‰
Maximum speed 560 km/h â—‰
Operational range 4,700 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,195 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 47,700 kg â—‰
Empty weight 25,630 kg â—‰
Total thrust 4 x 856 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the S-3 Viking or US-2?
The S-3 Viking is faster with a maximum speed of 815 km/h compared to the US-2's 560 km/h, a difference of 255 km/h.
Which has longer range, the S-3 Viking or US-2?
The S-3 Viking has a longer range at 5,121 km compared to the US-2's 4,700 km.
Which can fly higher, the S-3 Viking or US-2?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the US-2's 7,195 meters (23,605 ft).
Which is heavier, the S-3 Viking or US-2?
The US-2 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 47,700 kg compared to the S-3 Viking's 23,831 kg.
Which is larger, the S-3 Viking or US-2?
The US-2 is longer at 33.5 meters compared to the S-3 Viking's 16.3 meters.
Which is more expensive, the S-3 Viking or US-2?
The US-2 is more expensive at approximately $113 million per unit compared to the S-3 Viking at $27 million.
Which entered service first, the S-3 Viking or US-2?
The S-3 Viking entered service first in 1974, 33 years before the US-2 which entered service in 2007.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the S-3 Viking or US-2?
The S-3 Viking has been produced in greater numbers with 188 units compared to 8 units of the US-2.