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Alpha Jet vs L-159 ALCA

Alpha Jet vs L-159 ALCA at a glance — top speed 1,000 vs 936 km/h, range 2,940 vs 1,570 km, max takeoff weight 7,500 vs 8,000 kg, built 480 vs 72 units.

Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet combat aircraft side profile drawing
🇩🇪🇫🇷 Alpha JetFull specs
Aero L-159 ALCA military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-159 ALCAFull specs
Specifications
Alpha Jet L-159 ALCA
Origin country 🇩🇪 Germany🇫🇷 France 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Combat Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Dassault/Dornier Aero
First flight 26 October 1973 2 August 1997
Year introduced 1979 2000
Number produced 480 units 72 units
Average unit price $8 million $9 million
Wing area 17.5 m² 18.8 m²
Wingspan 9.1 m 9.5 m
Height 4.2 m 4.9 m
Length 13.2 m 12.7 m
Maximum speed 1000 km/h 936 km/h
Operational range 2,940 km 1,570 km
Service ceiling 14,630 m 13,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 7,500 kg 8,000 kg
Empty weight 3,515 kg 4,350 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,350 kgf 1 x 2,871 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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L-159 ALCA side profile drawing L-159 ALCA Specs, operators & history →
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Alpha Jet or L-159 ALCA?
The Alpha Jet is faster with a maximum speed of 1,000 km/h compared to the L-159 ALCA's 936 km/h, a difference of 64 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Alpha Jet or L-159 ALCA?
The Alpha Jet has a longer range at 2,940 km compared to the L-159 ALCA's 1,570 km.
Which can fly higher, the Alpha Jet or L-159 ALCA?
The Alpha Jet has a higher service ceiling at 14,630 meters (47,998 ft) compared to the L-159 ALCA's 13,200 meters (43,307 ft).
Which is heavier, the Alpha Jet or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,000 kg compared to the Alpha Jet's 7,500 kg.
Which is larger, the Alpha Jet or L-159 ALCA?
The Alpha Jet is longer at 13.2 meters compared to the L-159 ALCA's 12.7 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Alpha Jet or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is more expensive at approximately $9.0 million per unit compared to the Alpha Jet at $8.0 million.
Which entered service first, the Alpha Jet or L-159 ALCA?
The Alpha Jet entered service first in 1979, 21 years before the L-159 ALCA which entered service in 2000.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Alpha Jet or L-159 ALCA?
The Alpha Jet has been produced in greater numbers with 480 units compared to 72 units of the L-159 ALCA.