A400M Atlas vs DHC-6 Twin Otter

The A400M Atlas and the DHC-6 Twin Otter are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Airbus and De Havilland Canada respectively. The A400M Atlas reaches 780 km/h — 2.5x the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 315 km/h. The A400M Atlas has an operational range of 3,300 km vs 1,480 km for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. The A400M Atlas operates at altitudes up to 12,500 m compared to 7,620 m for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. At 141,000 kg MTOW, the A400M Atlas is 25:1 the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 5,670 kg. The A400M Atlas has been produced in 174 units vs 985 for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. Unit cost is $152M for the A400M Atlas vs $7M for the DHC-6 Twin Otter. The DHC-6 Twin Otter first flew 44 years before the A400M Atlas (1965 vs 2009).

European military transport aircraft, notable for strategic deployments in operations worldwide since the 2000s.
Airbus A400M Atlas Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇪🇺 Europe
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Airbus
First flight 11 December 2009
Year introduced 2013
Number produced 174 units
Average unit price $152 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 221.5 m²
Wingspan 42.4 m
Height 14.7 m
Length 45.1 m
Maximum speed 780 km/h
Operational range 3,300 km
Service ceiling 12,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 141,000 kg
Empty weight 66,500 kg
Total thrust 4 x 2,051 kW
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 205 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the A400M Atlas or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A400M Atlas is faster with a maximum speed of 780 km/h compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 315 km/h, a difference of 465 km/h.
Which has longer range, the A400M Atlas or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A400M Atlas has a longer range at 3,300 km compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 1,480 km.
Which can fly higher, the A400M Atlas or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A400M Atlas has a higher service ceiling at 12,500 meters (41,010 ft) compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 7,620 meters (25,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the A400M Atlas or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A400M Atlas has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 141,000 kg compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the A400M Atlas or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A400M Atlas is longer at 45.1 meters compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter's 15.8 meters.
Which is more expensive, the A400M Atlas or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The A400M Atlas is more expensive at approximately $152 million per unit compared to the DHC-6 Twin Otter at $7.0 million.
Which entered service first, the A400M Atlas or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter entered service first in 1966, 47 years before the A400M Atlas which entered service in 2013.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the A400M Atlas or DHC-6 Twin Otter?
The DHC-6 Twin Otter has been produced in greater numbers with 985 units compared to 174 units of the A400M Atlas.