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An-12 Cub vs Commander 500

Antonov An-12 Cub military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇦 An-12 Cub
Commander 500 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Commander 500
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Specifications
An-12 Cub Commander 500
Origin country 🇺🇦 Ukraine 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Antonov Aero Commander
First flight 16 December 1957 23 April 1948
Year introduced 1959 1952
Number produced 1248 units 2902 units
Average unit price $20 million $260K
Wing area 121.7 m² 24.0 m²
Wingspan 38.0 m 15.0 m
Height 10.5 m 4.4 m
Length 33.1 m 11.2 m
Maximum speed 770 km/h 346 km/h
Operational range 5,700 km 1,735 km
Service ceiling 10,200 m 5,913 m
Max. takeoff weight 61,000 kg 3,062 kg
Empty weight 28,000 kg 2,102 kg
Total thrust 4 x 782 kW 2 x 108 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The An-12 Cub and the Commander 500 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Antonov and Aero Commander respectively.

The An-12 Cub reaches 770 km/h — 2.2x the Commander 500's 346 km/h. The An-12 Cub has an operational range of 5,700 km vs 1,735 km for the Commander 500. The An-12 Cub operates at altitudes up to 10,200 m compared to 5,913 m for the Commander 500. At 61,000 kg MTOW, the An-12 Cub is 20:1 the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.

The An-12 Cub has been produced in 1,248 units vs 2,902 for the Commander 500. Unit cost is $20M for the An-12 Cub vs $0.26M for the Commander 500. The Commander 500 first flew 9 years before the An-12 Cub (1948 vs 1957).

Related Comparisons
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the An-12 Cub or Commander 500?
The An-12 Cub is faster with a maximum speed of 770 km/h compared to the Commander 500's 346 km/h, a difference of 424 km/h.
Which has longer range, the An-12 Cub or Commander 500?
The An-12 Cub has a longer range at 5,700 km compared to the Commander 500's 1,735 km.
Which can fly higher, the An-12 Cub or Commander 500?
The An-12 Cub has a higher service ceiling at 10,200 meters (33,464 ft) compared to the Commander 500's 5,913 meters (19,399 ft).
Which is heavier, the An-12 Cub or Commander 500?
The An-12 Cub has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 61,000 kg compared to the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.
Which is larger, the An-12 Cub or Commander 500?
The An-12 Cub is longer at 33.1 meters compared to the Commander 500's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the An-12 Cub or Commander 500?
The An-12 Cub is more expensive at approximately $20 million per unit compared to the Commander 500 at $0.3 million.
Which entered service first, the An-12 Cub or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 entered service first in 1952, 7 years before the An-12 Cub which entered service in 1959.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the An-12 Cub or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,902 units compared to 1,248 units of the An-12 Cub.