A321 vs DHC-4 Caribou

Overview

The A321 and the DHC-4 Caribou are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and de Havilland Canada respectively.

The A321 reaches 871 km/h — 2.5x the DHC-4 Caribou's 346 km/h. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 2,104 km for the DHC-4 Caribou. The A321 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 7,600 m for the DHC-4 Caribou. At 78,000 kg MTOW, the A321 is 6.0x the DHC-4 Caribou's 12,927 kg.

The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 307 for the DHC-4 Caribou. The DHC-4 Caribou first flew 29 years before the A321 (1958 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
Canadian twin-engine short takeoff and landing (STOL) tactical transport aircraft, developed in the late 1950s and widely operated for military cargo and rugged bush operations.
de Havilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer de Havilland Canada
First flight 30 July 1958
Year introduced 1961
Number produced 307 units
Average unit price --
Wing area 122.6 m² ◉
Wingspan 34.1 m â—‰
Height 11.8 m â—‰
Length 37.6 m â—‰
Maximum speed 871 km/h â—‰
Operational range 5,930 km â—‰
Service ceiling 12,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 78,000 kg â—‰
Empty weight 42,600 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 5,670 kgf â—‰
Wing area 84.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.1 m â—‰
Height 9.7 m â—‰
Length 22.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 346 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,104 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,600 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 12,927 kg â—‰
Empty weight 8,283 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 540 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A321 or DHC-4 Caribou?
The A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the DHC-4 Caribou's 346 km/h, a difference of 525 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or DHC-4 Caribou?
The A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the DHC-4 Caribou's 2,104 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or DHC-4 Caribou?
The A321 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the DHC-4 Caribou's 7,600 meters (24,934 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or DHC-4 Caribou?
The A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the DHC-4 Caribou's 12,927 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or DHC-4 Caribou?
The A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the DHC-4 Caribou's 22.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the A321 or DHC-4 Caribou?
The DHC-4 Caribou entered service first in 1961, 33 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or DHC-4 Caribou?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 307 units of the DHC-4 Caribou.