AT-500 vs PC-9

The AT-500 and the PC-9 are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Air Tractor and Pilatus respectively. The PC-9 reaches 593 km/h — 2.4x the AT-500's 248 km/h. The AT-500 has an operational range of 1,300 km vs 1,537 km for the PC-9. The PC-9 operates at altitudes up to 11,600 m compared to 11,000 m for the AT-500. The AT-500 has been produced in 470 units vs 265 for the PC-9. The PC-9 first flew 2 years before the AT-500 (1984 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
Swiss trainer aircraft, renowned for its use in aerobatics, globally employed for military flight training since the 1980s.
Pilatus PC-9 Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Pilatus
First flight 7 May 1984
Year introduced 1987
Number produced 265 units
Average unit price $-- 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 16.3 m²
Wingspan 10.2 m
Height 3.3 m
Length 10.2 m
Maximum speed 593 km/h
Operational range 1,537 km
Service ceiling 11,600 m
Max. takeoff weight 3,200 kg
Empty weight 1,781 kg
Total thrust 1 x 708 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AT-500 or PC-9?
The PC-9 is faster with a maximum speed of 593 km/h compared to the AT-500's 248 km/h, a difference of 345 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AT-500 or PC-9?
The PC-9 has a longer range at 1,537 km compared to the AT-500's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the AT-500 or PC-9?
The PC-9 has a higher service ceiling at 11,600 meters (38,057 ft) compared to the AT-500's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the AT-500 or PC-9?
The AT-500 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,754 kg compared to the PC-9's 3,200 kg.
Which is larger, the AT-500 or PC-9?
The AT-500 is longer at 10.2 meters compared to the PC-9's 10.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the AT-500 or PC-9?
The PC-9 entered service first in 1987, 0 years before the AT-500 which entered service in 1987.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AT-500 or PC-9?
The AT-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 470 units compared to 265 units of the PC-9.