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

Air Tractor AT-500 vs T-50 Golden Eagle

Air Tractor AT-500 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Air Tractor AT-500
KAI T-50 Golden Eagle military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇰🇷 T-50 Golden Eagle
Change comparison vs
Specifications
Air Tractor AT-500 T-50 Golden Eagle
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States 🇰🇷 South Korea
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Air Tractor KAI
First flight 25 April 1986 20 August 2002
Year introduced 1987 2005
Number produced 470 units 200 units
Average unit price $500K $25 million
Wing area 26.8 m² 23.7 m²
Wingspan 15.9 m 9.2 m
Height 3.0 m 4.8 m
Length 10.2 m 13.0 m
Maximum speed 248 km/h 1840 km/h
Operational range 1,300 km 1,851 km
Service ceiling 11,000 m 16,764 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,754 kg 13,472 kg
Empty weight 2,109 kg 6,441 kg
Total thrust 1 x 560 kW 1 x 5,409 kgf
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The Air Tractor AT-500 and the T-50 Golden Eagle are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Air Tractor and KAI respectively.

The T-50 Golden Eagle reaches 1,840 km/h — 7.4x the Air Tractor AT-500's 248 km/h. The Air Tractor AT-500 has an operational range of 1,300 km vs 1,851 km for the T-50 Golden Eagle. The T-50 Golden Eagle operates at altitudes up to 16,764 m compared to 11,000 m for the Air Tractor AT-500. At 13,472 kg MTOW, the T-50 Golden Eagle is 2.8x the Air Tractor AT-500's 4,754 kg.

The Air Tractor AT-500 has been produced in 470 units vs 200 for the T-50 Golden Eagle. Unit cost is $0.5M for the Air Tractor AT-500 vs $25M for the T-50 Golden Eagle. The Air Tractor AT-500 first flew 16 years before the T-50 Golden Eagle (1986 vs 2002).

Related Comparisons
T-50 Golden Eagle vs M-346 Master 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 Hawk

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Air Tractor AT-500 or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-50 Golden Eagle is faster with a maximum speed of 1,840 km/h compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 248 km/h, a difference of 1,592 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Air Tractor AT-500 or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-50 Golden Eagle has a longer range at 1,851 km compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the Air Tractor AT-500 or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-50 Golden Eagle has a higher service ceiling at 16,764 meters (55,000 ft) compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 11,000 meters (36,089 ft).
Which is heavier, the Air Tractor AT-500 or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-50 Golden Eagle has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,472 kg compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 4,754 kg.
Which is larger, the Air Tractor AT-500 or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-50 Golden Eagle is longer at 13.0 meters compared to the Air Tractor AT-500's 10.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Air Tractor AT-500 or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The T-50 Golden Eagle is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the Air Tractor AT-500 at $0.5 million.
Which entered service first, the Air Tractor AT-500 or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The Air Tractor AT-500 entered service first in 1987, 18 years before the T-50 Golden Eagle which entered service in 2005.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Air Tractor AT-500 or T-50 Golden Eagle?
The Air Tractor AT-500 has been produced in greater numbers with 470 units compared to 200 units of the T-50 Golden Eagle.