A321 vs DHC-6 Twin Otter

The A321 and the DHC-6 Twin Otter are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and De Havilland Canada respectively. The A321 reaches 871 km/h — 2.8x the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 315 km/h. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 1,480 km for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. The A321 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 7,620 m for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. At 78,000 kg MTOW, the A321 is 14:1 the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 5,670 kg. The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 985 for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $7M for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. The DHC-6 Twin Otter 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.
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 utility aircraft, vital in civil and military operations worldwide since the 1960s, famous for its STOL capabilities.
De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 20 May 1965
Year introduced 1966
Number produced 985 units
Average unit price $7 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 39.0 m²
Wingspan 20.0 m
Height 6.0 m
Length 15.8 m
Maximum speed 315 km/h
Operational range 1,480 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg
Empty weight 3,175 kg
Total thrust 2 x 410 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A321 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 315 km/h, a difference of 556 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 1,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A321 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 15.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter at $7.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter entered service first in 1966, 28 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 985 units of the DHC-6 Twin Otter.