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Air Tractor AT-500 vs L-159 ALCA

Air Tractor AT-500 vs L-159 ALCA at a glance — top speed 248 vs 936 km/h, range 1,300 vs 1,570 km, max takeoff weight 4,754 vs 8,000 kg, built 470 vs 72 units.

Air Tractor AT-500 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Air Tractor AT-500
Aero L-159 ALCA military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇿 L-159 ALCA
Specifications
Air Tractor AT-500 L-159 ALCA
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Air Tractor Aero
First flight 25 April 1986 2 August 1997
Year introduced 1987 2000
Number produced 470 units 72 units
Average unit price $500K $9 million
Wing area 26.8 m² 18.8 m²
Wingspan 15.9 m 9.5 m
Height 3.0 m 4.9 m
Length 10.2 m 12.7 m
Maximum speed 248 km/h 936 km/h
Operational range 1,300 km 1,570 km
Service ceiling 11,000 m 13,200 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,754 kg 8,000 kg
Empty weight 2,109 kg 4,350 kg
Total thrust 1 x 560 kW 1 x 2,871 kgf
Performance Radar Chart
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Air Tractor AT-500 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is faster with a maximum speed of 936 km/h compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 248 km/h, a difference of 688 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Air Tractor AT-500 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA has a longer range at 1,570 km compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the Air Tractor AT-500 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA has a higher service ceiling at 13,200 meters (43,307 ft) compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the Air Tractor AT-500 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,000 kg compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 4,754 kg.
Which is larger, the Air Tractor AT-500 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is longer at 12.7 meters compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 10.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Air Tractor AT-500 or L-159 ALCA?
The L-159 ALCA is more expensive at approximately $9.0 million per unit compared to the Air Tractor AT-500 at $0.5 million.
Which entered service first, the Air Tractor AT-500 or L-159 ALCA?
The Air Tractor AT-500 entered service first in 1987, 13 years before the L-159 ALCA which entered service in 2000.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Air Tractor AT-500 or L-159 ALCA?
The Air Tractor AT-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 470 units compared to 72 units of the L-159 ALCA.