AT-500 vs L-39 Albatros

The AT-500 and the L-39 Albatros are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Air Tractor and Aero respectively. The L-39 Albatros reaches 750 km/h — 3.0x the AT-500's 248 km/h. The AT-500 has an operational range of 1,300 km vs 1,100 km for the L-39 Albatros. The L-39 Albatros operates at altitudes up to 11,500 m compared to 11,000 m for the AT-500. The AT-500 has been produced in 470 units vs 2,900 for the L-39 Albatros. Unit cost is $0.5M for the AT-500 vs $1M for the L-39 Albatros. The L-39 Albatros first flew 18 years before the AT-500 (1968 vs 1986).

Taiwanese trainer aircraft, utilized for basic flight training during the late 20th-century.
Air Tractor AT-500 Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Air Tractor
First flight 25 April 1986
Year introduced 1987
Number produced 470 units
Average unit price $0.5 million
Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles.
Aero L-39 Albatros Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero
First flight 4 November 1968
Year introduced 1972
Number produced 2900 units
Average unit price $1 million
Wing area 26.8 m²
Wingspan 15.9 m
Height 3.0 m
Length 10.2 m
Maximum speed 248 km/h
Operational range 1,300 km
Service ceiling 11,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,754 kg
Empty weight 2,109 kg
Total thrust 1 x 560 kW
Wing area 18.8 m²
Wingspan 9.5 m
Height 4.8 m
Length 12.1 m
Maximum speed 750 km/h
Operational range 1,100 km
Service ceiling 11,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,700 kg
Empty weight 3,459 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,720 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AT-500 or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the AT-500's 248 km/h, a difference of 502 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AT-500 or L-39 Albatros?
The AT-500 has a longer range at 1,300 km compared to the L-39 Albatros's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the AT-500 or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros has a higher service ceiling at 11,500 meters (37,729 ft) compared to the AT-500's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the AT-500 or L-39 Albatros?
The AT-500 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,754 kg compared to the L-39 Albatros's 4,700 kg.
Which is larger, the AT-500 or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros is longer at 12.1 meters compared to the AT-500's 10.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AT-500 or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros is more expensive at approximately $1.0 million per unit compared to the AT-500 at $0.5 million.
Which entered service first, the AT-500 or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros entered service first in 1972, 15 years before the AT-500 which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AT-500 or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros has been produced in greater numbers with 2,900 units compared to 470 units of the AT-500.