S-3 Viking vs SR-20

The S-3 Viking and the SR-20 are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Lockheed and Cirrus respectively. The S-3 Viking reaches 815 km/h — 2.8x the SR-20's 287 km/h. The S-3 Viking has an operational range of 5,121 km vs 1,450 km for the SR-20. The S-3 Viking operates at altitudes up to 12,466 m compared to 5,334 m for the SR-20. At 23,831 kg MTOW, the S-3 Viking is 17:1 the SR-20's 1,383 kg. The S-3 Viking has been produced in 188 units vs 1,459 for the SR-20. Unit cost is $27M for the S-3 Viking vs $0.63M for the SR-20. The S-3 Viking first flew 23 years before the SR-20 (1972 vs 1995).

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
American civil utility aircraft, renowned from the late 20th century, extensively deployed in private aviation and flight training.
Cirrus SR-20 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Cirrus
First flight 21 March 1995
Year introduced 1999
Number produced 1459 units
Average unit price $630K
Wing area 56.0 m²
Wingspan 21.0 m
Height 7.0 m
Length 16.3 m
Maximum speed 815 km/h
Operational range 5,121 km
Service ceiling 12,466 m
Max. takeoff weight 23,831 kg
Empty weight 12,057 kg
Total thrust 2 x 2,104 kgf
Wing area 13.5 m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.0 m
Maximum speed 287 km/h
Operational range 1,450 km
Service ceiling 5,334 m
Max. takeoff weight 1,383 kg
Empty weight 943 kg
Total thrust 1 x 149 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the S-3 Viking or SR-20?
The S-3 Viking is faster with a maximum speed of 815 km/h compared to the SR-20's 287 km/h, a difference of 528 km/h.
Which has longer range, the S-3 Viking or SR-20?
The S-3 Viking has a longer range at 5,121 km compared to the SR-20's 1,450 km.
Which can fly higher, the S-3 Viking or SR-20?
The S-3 Viking has a higher service ceiling at 12,466 meters (40,898 ft) compared to the SR-20's 5,334 meters (17,500 ft).
Which is heavier, the S-3 Viking or SR-20?
The S-3 Viking has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 23,831 kg compared to the SR-20's 1,383 kg.
Which is larger, the S-3 Viking or SR-20?
The S-3 Viking is longer at 16.3 meters compared to the SR-20's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the S-3 Viking or SR-20?
The S-3 Viking is more expensive at approximately $27 million per unit compared to the SR-20 at $0.6 million.
Which entered service first, the S-3 Viking or SR-20?
The S-3 Viking entered service first in 1974, 25 years before the SR-20 which entered service in 1999.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the S-3 Viking or SR-20?
The SR-20 has been produced in greater numbers with 1,459 units compared to 188 units of the S-3 Viking.