A321 vs F406 Caravan II

The A321 and the F406 Caravan II are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and Reims-Cessna respectively. The A321 reaches 871 km/h — 2.1x the F406 Caravan II's 423 km/h. The A321 has an operational range of 5,930 km vs 2,135 km for the F406 Caravan II. The A321 operates at altitudes up to 12,000 m compared to 9,144 m for the F406 Caravan II. At 78,000 kg MTOW, the A321 is 18:1 the F406 Caravan II's 4,246 kg. The A321 has been produced in 2,917 units vs 99 for the F406 Caravan II. Unit cost is $120M for the A321 vs $3M for the F406 Caravan II. The F406 Caravan II first flew 4 years before the A321 (1983 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
French civilian utility aircraft, operational since the 1980s, frequently used for surveillance, cargo transport, and passenger services.
Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan II Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Reims-Cessna
First flight 22 September 1983
Year introduced 1985
Number produced 99 units
Average unit price $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 5,670 kgf
Wing area 24.0 m²
Wingspan 15.1 m
Height 4.0 m
Length 12.0 m
Maximum speed 423 km/h
Operational range 2,135 km
Service ceiling 9,144 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,246 kg
Empty weight 2,283 kg
Total thrust 2 x 187 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A321 or F406 Caravan II?
The A321 is faster with a maximum speed of 871 km/h compared to the F406 Caravan II's 423 km/h, a difference of 448 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A321 or F406 Caravan II?
The A321 has a longer range at 5,930 km compared to the F406 Caravan II's 2,135 km.
Which can fly higher, the A321 or F406 Caravan II?
The A321 has a higher service ceiling at 12,000 meters (39,370 ft) compared to the F406 Caravan II's 9,144 meters (30,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A321 or F406 Caravan II?
The A321 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 78,000 kg compared to the F406 Caravan II's 4,246 kg.
Which is larger, the A321 or F406 Caravan II?
The A321 is longer at 37.6 meters compared to the F406 Caravan II's 12.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A321 or F406 Caravan II?
The A321 is more expensive at approximately $120 million per unit compared to the F406 Caravan II at $3.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A321 or F406 Caravan II?
The F406 Caravan II entered service first in 1985, 9 years before the A321 which entered service in 1994.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A321 or F406 Caravan II?
The A321 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,917 units compared to 99 units of the F406 Caravan II.