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Airbus A321 vs CN-235

Airbus A321 vs CN-235 at a glance — top speed 871 vs 450 km/h, range 5,930 vs 4,355 km, max takeoff weight 78,000 vs 16,500 kg, built 2,917 vs 354 units.

Airbus A321 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇺 Airbus A321
CASA CN-235 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇪🇸🇮🇩 CN-235
Specifications
Airbus A321 CN-235
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe 🇪🇸 Spain🇮🇩 Indonesia
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus CASA
First flight 27 February 1987 11 November 1983
Year introduced 1994 1988
Number produced 2917 units 354 units
Average unit price $120 million $25 million
Wing area 122.6 m² 59.1 m²
Wingspan 34.1 m 25.8 m
Height 11.8 m 8.2 m
Length 37.6 m 21.4 m
Maximum speed 871 km/h 450 km/h
Operational range 5,930 km 4,355 km
Service ceiling 12,000 m 9,144 m
Max. takeoff weight 78,000 kg 16,500 kg
Empty weight 42,600 kg 8,800 kg
Total thrust 2 x 11,340 kgf 2 x 1,305 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Airbus A321 or CN-235?
The Airbus A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the CN-235's 450 km/h, a difference of 421 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Airbus A321 or CN-235?
The Airbus A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the CN-235's 4,355 km.
Which can fly higher, the Airbus A321 or CN-235?
The Airbus A321 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the CN-235's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the Airbus A321 or CN-235?
The Airbus A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the CN-235's 16,500 kg.
Which is larger, the Airbus A321 or CN-235?
The Airbus A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the CN-235's 21.4 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Airbus A321 or CN-235?
The Airbus A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the CN-235 at $25 million.
Which entered service first, the Airbus A321 or CN-235?
The CN-235 entered service first in 1988, 6 years before the Airbus A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Airbus A321 or CN-235?
The Airbus A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 354 units of the CN-235.