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E-3 Sentry AWACS vs Tu-126 Moss

E-3 Sentry AWACS vs Tu-126 Moss at a glance — top speed 853 vs 790 km/h, range 7,400 vs 7,000 km, max takeoff weight 147,417 vs 171,000 kg, built 68 vs 9 units.

Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-3 Sentry AWACS
Tupolev Tu-126 Moss military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇷🇺 Tu-126 Moss
Specifications
E-3 Sentry AWACS Tu-126 Moss
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇷🇺 Ex-USSR
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Tupolev
First flight 9 February 1972 23 January 1962
Year introduced 1977 1965
Number produced 68 units 9 units
Average unit price $270 million --
Wing area 283.0 m² 311.1 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m 51.4 m
Height 12.6 m 16.1 m
Length 46.6 m 56.5 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 790 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km 7,000 km
Service ceiling 10,668 m 10,700 m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg 171,000 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg 103,000 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf 4 x 11,033 kW
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 790 km/h, a difference of 63 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a longer range at 7,400 km compared to the Tu-126 Moss's 7,000 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss has a higher service ceiling at 10,700 meters (35,104 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 171,000 kg compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 147,417 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss is longer at 56.5 meters compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 46.6 meters.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The Tu-126 Moss entered service first in 1965, 12 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS which entered service in 1977.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or Tu-126 Moss?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in greater numbers with 68 units compared to 9 units of the Tu-126 Moss.