A321 vs Commander 500

The A321 and the Commander 500 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Aero respectively. The A321 reaches 871 km/h — 2.5x the Commander 500's 346 km/h. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 1,735 km for the Commander 500. The A321 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 5,913 m for the Commander 500. At 78,000 kg MTOW, the A321 is 25:1 the Commander 500's 3,062 kg. The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 2,902 for the Commander 500. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $0.26M for the Commander 500. The Commander 500 first flew 39 years before the A321 (1948 vs 1987).

European narrow-body commercial passenger jet, recognized for global use since 1990s, employed extensively by major airlines.
Airbus A321 Transport profile drawing
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
American light business aircraft, mainly used in civil and military flight training, widely deployed in the mid-20th century.
Aero Commander 500 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero
First flight 23 April 1948
Year introduced 1952
Number produced 2902 units
Average unit price $0.3 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 24.0 m²
Wingspan 15.0 m
Height 4.4 m
Length 11.2 m
Maximum speed 346 km/h
Operational range 1,735 km
Service ceiling 5,913 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,062 kg
Empty weight 2,102 kg
Total thrust 2 x 216 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A321 or Commander 500?
The A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the Commander 500's 346 km/h, a difference of 525 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or Commander 500?
The A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the Commander 500's 1,735 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or Commander 500?
The A321 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the Commander 500's 5,913 meters (19,399 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or Commander 500?
The A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or Commander 500?
The A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the Commander 500's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or Commander 500?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the Commander 500 at $0.3 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 entered service first in 1952, 42 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or Commander 500?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 2,902 units of the Commander 500.