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EA-6B Prowler vs SR-71 Blackbird

Grumman EA-6B Prowler military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 EA-6B Prowler
Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 SR-71 Blackbird
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Specifications
EA-6B Prowler SR-71 Blackbird
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Grumman Lockheed
First flight 25 May 1968 22 December 1964
Year introduced 1971 1966
Number produced 170 units 32 units
Average unit price $52 million $185 million
Wing area 49.2 m² 167.0 m²
Wingspan 16.0 m 17.0 m
Height 5.1 m 5.7 m
Length 18.0 m 32.8 m
Maximum speed 1048 km/h 3541 km/h
Operational range 3,745 km 5,230 km
Service ceiling 11,460 m 25,908 m
Max. takeoff weight 27,896 kg 78,018 kg
Empty weight 14,134 kg 30,617 kg
Total thrust 2 x 4,717 kgf 2 x 11,340 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The EA-6B Prowler and the SR-71 Blackbird are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Grumman and Lockheed respectively.

The SR-71 Blackbird reaches 3,541 km/h — 3.4:1 the EA-6B Prowler's 1,048 km/h. The EA-6B Prowler has an operational range of 3,745 km vs 5,230 km for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird operates at altitudes up to 25,908 m compared to 11,460 m for the EA-6B Prowler. At 78,018 kg MTOW, the SR-71 Blackbird is 2.8:1 the EA-6B Prowler's 27,896 kg.

The EA-6B Prowler has been produced in 170 units vs 32 for the SR-71 Blackbird. Unit cost is $52M for the EA-6B Prowler vs $185M for the SR-71 Blackbird. The SR-71 Blackbird first flew 4 years before the EA-6B Prowler (1964 vs 1968).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the EA-6B Prowler or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is faster with a maximum speed of 3,541 km/h compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 1,048 km/h, a difference of 2,493 km/h.
Which has longer range, the EA-6B Prowler or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a longer range at 5,230 km compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 3,745 km.
Which can fly higher, the EA-6B Prowler or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher service ceiling at 25,908 meters (85,000 ft) compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 11,460 meters (37,598 ft).
Which is heavier, the EA-6B Prowler or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,018 kg compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 27,896 kg.
Which is larger, the EA-6B Prowler or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is longer at 32.8 meters compared to the EA-6B Prowler's 18.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the EA-6B Prowler or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird is more expensive at approximately $185 million per unit compared to the EA-6B Prowler at $52 million.
Which entered service first, the EA-6B Prowler or SR-71 Blackbird?
The SR-71 Blackbird entered service first in 1966, 5 years before the EA-6B Prowler which entered service in 1971.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the EA-6B Prowler or SR-71 Blackbird?
The EA-6B Prowler has been produced in greater numbers with 170 units compared to 32 units of the SR-71 Blackbird.