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E-3 Sentry AWACS vs U-2 Dragon Lady

Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 E-3 Sentry AWACS
Lockheed U-2 Dragon Lady military special mission aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 U-2 Dragon Lady
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Specifications
E-3 Sentry AWACS U-2 Dragon Lady
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing Lockheed
First flight 9 February 1972 1 August 1955
Year introduced 1977 1956
Number produced 68 units 104 units
Average unit price $270 million $50 million
Wing area 283.0 m² 93.0 m²
Wingspan 44.4 m 31.0 m
Height 12.6 m 4.9 m
Length 46.6 m 19.0 m
Maximum speed 853 km/h 805 km/h
Operational range 7,400 km 11,280 km
Service ceiling 10,668 m 21,336 m
Max. takeoff weight 147,417 kg 18,144 kg
Empty weight 83,915 kg 6,486 kg
Total thrust 4 x 9,752 kgf 1 x 8,618 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The E-3 Sentry AWACS and the U-2 Dragon Lady are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by Boeing and Lockheed respectively.

Top speed is 853 km/h for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs 805 km/h for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The E-3 Sentry AWACS has an operational range of 7,400 km vs 11,280 km for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady operates at altitudes up to 21,336 m compared to 10,668 m for the E-3 Sentry AWACS. At 147,417 kg MTOW, the E-3 Sentry AWACS is 8.1:1 the U-2 Dragon Lady's 18,144 kg.

The E-3 Sentry AWACS has been produced in 68 units vs 104 for the U-2 Dragon Lady. Unit cost is $270M for the E-3 Sentry AWACS vs $50M for the U-2 Dragon Lady. The U-2 Dragon Lady first flew 17 years before the E-3 Sentry AWACS (1955 vs 1972).

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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.