GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

Air Tractor AT-500 vs DA42 Twin Star

Air Tractor AT-500 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Air Tractor AT-500
Diamond DA42 Twin Star military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇦🇹 DA42 Twin Star
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Air Tractor AT-500 DA42 Twin Star
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇦🇹 Austria
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Air Tractor Diamond
First flight 25 April 1986 9 December 2002
Year introduced 1987 2004
Number produced 470 units 600 units
Average unit price $500K $1.3 million
Wing area 26.8 m² 16.3 m²
Wingspan 15.9 m 13.4 m
Height 3.0 m 2.5 m
Length 10.2 m 8.0 m
Maximum speed 248 km/h 354 km/h
Operational range 1,300 km 2,250 km
Service ceiling 11,000 m 9,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,754 kg 2,000 kg
Empty weight 2,109 kg 1,200 kg
Total thrust 1 x 560 kW 2 x 50 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Air Tractor AT-500 and the DA42 Twin Star are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Air Tractor and Diamond respectively.

Top speed is 248 km/h for the Air Tractor AT-500 vs 354 km/h for the DA42 Twin Star. The Air Tractor AT-500 has an operational range of 1,300 km vs 2,250 km for the DA42 Twin Star. The Air Tractor AT-500 operates at altitudes up to 11,000 m compared to 9,000 m for the DA42 Twin Star. At 4,754 kg MTOW, the Air Tractor AT-500 is 2.4x the DA42 Twin Star's 2,000 kg.

The Air Tractor AT-500 has been produced in 470 units vs 600 for the DA42 Twin Star. Unit cost is $0.5M for the Air Tractor AT-500 vs $1.3M for the DA42 Twin Star. The Air Tractor AT-500 first flew 16 years before the DA42 Twin Star (1986 vs 2002).

Related Comparisons
Air Tractor AT-500 vs Robinson R44 Raven Air Tractor AT-500 vs Robinson R22 Air Tractor AT-500 vs L-39 Albatros Air Tractor AT-500 vs DHC-8 Dash 8 Air Tractor AT-500 vs BAE Systems Hawk Air Tractor AT-500 vs Pipistrel Virus SW80

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Air Tractor AT-500 or DA42 Twin Star?
The DA42 Twin Star is faster with a maximum speed of 354 km/h compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 248 km/h, a difference of 106 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Air Tractor AT-500 or DA42 Twin Star?
The DA42 Twin Star has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the Air Tractor AT-500 or DA42 Twin Star?
The Air Tractor AT-500 has a higher service ceiling at 11,000 meters (36,089 ft) compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the Air Tractor AT-500 or DA42 Twin Star?
The Air Tractor AT-500 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,754 kg compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 2,000 kg.
Which is larger, the Air Tractor AT-500 or DA42 Twin Star?
The Air Tractor AT-500 is longer at 10.2 meters compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Air Tractor AT-500 or DA42 Twin Star?
The DA42 Twin Star is more expensive at approximately $1.3 million per unit compared to the Air Tractor AT-500 at $0.5 million.
Which entered service first, the Air Tractor AT-500 or DA42 Twin Star?
The Air Tractor AT-500 entered service first in 1987, 17 years before the DA42 Twin Star which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Air Tractor AT-500 or DA42 Twin Star?
The DA42 Twin Star has been produced in greater numbers with 600 units compared to 470 units of the Air Tractor AT-500.