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E-8 Joint STARS vs SR-71 Blackbird

Northrop Grumman E-8 Joint STARS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-8 Joint STARS
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SR-71 Blackbird
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Specifications
E-8 Joint STARS SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Northrop Grumman Lockheed
First flight 1 January 1994 22 December 1964
Year introduced 1996 1966
Number produced 17 units 32 units
Average unit price $250 million $185 million
Wing area 283.4 m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m 17.0 m
Height 13.0 m 5.7 m
Length 46.6 m 32.8 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range 6,821 km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 12,802 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 152,407 kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight 77,564 kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust 4 x 8,709 kgf 2 x 11,340 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The E-8 Joint STARS and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Northrop Grumman and Lockheed respectively.

The SR-71 Blackbird reaches 3,541 km/h — 4.2:1 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).

Related Comparisons
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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.