E-3 Sentry AWACS vs U-2 Dragon Lady
| American airborne early warning and control (AWACS) aircraft, principally used in NATO, UK, France, and Saudi Arabia since the Cold War. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Boeing |
| First flight | 9 February 1972 |
| Year introduced | 1977 |
| Number produced | 68 units |
| Average unit price | $270 million |
| American high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft, known for extensive Cold War era operations and various military applications worldwide. | |
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| Origin country | 🇺🇸 United States |
| Category | Military Special Mission Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| First flight | 1 August 1955 |
| Year introduced | 1956 |
| Number produced | 104 units |
| Average unit price | $50 million |
| Wing area | 283.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 44.4 m â—‰ |
| Height | 12.6 m â—‰ |
| Length | 46.6 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 853 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 7,400 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 10,668 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 147,417 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 83,915 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 4 x 9,752 kgf â—‰ |
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| Wing area | 93.0 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 31.0 m â—‰ |
| Height | 4.9 m â—‰ |
| Length | 19.0 m â—‰ |
| Maximum speed | 805 km/h â—‰ |
| Operational range | 11,280 km â—‰ |
| Service ceiling | 21,336 m â—‰ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 18,144 kg â—‰ |
| Empty weight | 6,486 kg â—‰ |
| Total thrust | 1 x 8,618 kgf â—‰ |
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Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is faster with a maximum speed of 853 km/h compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 805 km/h, a difference of 48 km/h.
Which has longer range, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a longer range at 11,280 km compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 7,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has a higher service ceiling at 21,336 meters (70,000 ft) compared to the E-3 Sentry AWACS's 10,668 meters (35,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 147,417 kg compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg.
Which is larger, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is longer at 46.6 meters compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady's 19.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The E-3 Sentry AWACS is more expensive at approximately $270 million per unit compared to the U-2 Dragon Lady at $50 million.
Which entered service first, the E-3 Sentry AWACS or U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady entered service first in 1956, 21 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 U-2 Dragon Lady?
The U-2 Dragon Lady has been produced in greater numbers with 104 units compared to 68 units of the E-3 Sentry AWACS.