A321 vs BN-2B Defender
The A321 and the BN-2B Defender are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Britten-Norman respectively. The A321 reaches 871 km/h — 3.3x the BN-2B Defender's 264 km/h. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 1,400 km for the BN-2B Defender. The A321 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 4,000 m for the BN-2B Defender. At 78,000 kg MTOW, the A321 is 26:1 the BN-2B Defender's 2,995 kg. The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 1,280 for the BN-2B Defender. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $2M for the BN-2B Defender. The BN-2B Defender first flew 22 years before the A321 (1965 vs 1987).
| European narrow-body commercial passenger jet, recognized for global use since 1990s, employed extensively by major airlines. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇪🇺 Europe |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Airbus |
| First flight | 27 February 1987 |
| Year introduced | 1994 |
| Number produced | 2917 units |
| Average unit price | $120 million |
| British light-utility aircraft, notably deployed for surveillance, logistical operations, and transport duties in various global regions. | |
|
|
| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Category | Military Transport Aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Britten-Norman |
| First flight | 12 June 1965 |
| Year introduced | 1965 |
| Number produced | 1280 units |
| Average unit price | $2 million |
| Wing area | 122.6 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 34.1 m ◉ |
| Height | 11.8 m ◉ |
| Length | 37.6 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 871 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 5,930 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 12,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 78,000 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 42,600 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 11,340 kgf ◉ |
| Wing area | 31.3 m² ◉ |
| Wingspan | 16.2 m ◉ |
| Height | 4.2 m ◉ |
| Length | 11.1 m ◉ |
| Maximum speed | 264 km/h ◉ |
| Operational range | 1,400 km ◉ |
| Service ceiling | 4,000 m ◉ |
| Max. takeoff weight | 2,995 kg ◉ |
| Empty weight | 1,825 kg ◉ |
| Total thrust | 2 x 194 kW ◉ |
Performance Radar Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is faster, the A321 or BN-2B Defender?
The A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the BN-2B Defender's 264 km/h, a difference of 607 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or BN-2B Defender?
The A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the BN-2B Defender's 1,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or BN-2B Defender?
The A321 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the BN-2B Defender's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or BN-2B Defender?
The A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the BN-2B Defender's 2,995 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or BN-2B Defender?
The A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the BN-2B Defender's 11.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or BN-2B Defender?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the BN-2B Defender at $2.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or BN-2B Defender?
The BN-2B Defender entered service first in 1965, 29 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or BN-2B Defender?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 1,280 units of the BN-2B Defender.