E-8 Joint STARS vs SR-71 Blackbird
Overview
The E-8 Joint STARS and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing/Northrop Grumman and Lockheed respectively.
The SR-71 Blackbird reaches 3,541 km/h — 4.2x the E-8 Joint STARS's 853 km/h. The E-8 Joint STARS has an operational range of 6,821 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 12,802 m for the E-8 Joint STARS.
The E-8 Joint STARS has been produced in 17 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. Unit cost is $250M for the E-8 Joint STARS vs $185M for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird first flew 30 years before the E-8 Joint STARS (1964 vs 1994).
| American command and control aircraft, instrumental during Persian Gulf War, primarily deployed for surveillance and ground-target tracking missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing/Northrop Grumman |
| First flight | 1 January 1994 |
| Year introduced | 1996 |
| Number produced | 17 units |
| Average unit price | $250 million |
| American strategic reconnaissance aircraft, operational from 1966-1998, unmatched speed and altitude records, infamous for Cold War and NASA missions. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 22 December 1964 |
| Year introduced | 1966 |
| Number produced | 32 units |
| Average unit price | $185 million |
| Wing area | 283.4 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 44.4 m ◉ |
| Height | 13.0 m ◉ |
| Length | 46.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 853 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 6,821 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,802 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 152,407 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 77,564 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 2,177 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 167.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 17.0 m ◉ |
| Height | 5.7 m ◉ |
| Length | 32.8 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 3541 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,230 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 25,908 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 78,018 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 30,617 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 5,670 kgf ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Detailed Comparison
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 853 km/h, a difference of 2,688 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-71 Blackbird?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a longer range at 6,821 km compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 5,230 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the E-8 Joint STARS's 12,802 meters (42,001 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-71 Blackbird?
The E-8 Joint STARS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 152,407 kg compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 78,018 kg.
Which is larger, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-71 Blackbird?
The E-8 Joint STARS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the SR-71 Blackbird's 32.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-71 Blackbird?
The E-8 Joint STARS is more expensive at approximately $250 million per unit compared to the SR-71 Blackbird at $185 million.
Which entered service first, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service first in 1966, 30 years before the E-8 Joint STARS which entered service in 1996.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-8 Joint STARS or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has been produced in greater numbers with 32 units compared to 17 units of the E-8 Joint STARS.