AT-500 vs T-6 Texan II

The AT-500 and the T-6 Texan II are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Air Tractor and Beechcraft respectively. The T-6 Texan II reaches 585 km/h — 2.4x the AT-500's 248 km/h. The AT-500 has an operational range of 1,300 km vs 1,700 km for the T-6 Texan II. The AT-500 operates at altitudes up to 11,000 m compared to 9,449 m for the T-6 Texan II. The AT-500 has been produced in 470 units vs 850 for the T-6 Texan II. Unit cost is $0.5M for the AT-500 vs $4.3M for the T-6 Texan II. The AT-500 first flew 6 years before the T-6 Texan II (1986 vs 1992).

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
American turboprop trainer, widely deployed worldwide since the late 20th century for pilot instructing and light attack roles.
Beechcraft T-6 Texan II Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft
First flight 23 December 1992
Year introduced 2001
Number produced 850 units
Average unit price $4.3 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 585 km/h
Operational range 1,700 km
Service ceiling 9,449 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,858 kg
Empty weight 2,135 kg
Total thrust 1 x 932 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AT-500 or T-6 Texan II?
The T-6 Texan II is faster with a maximum speed of 585 km/h compared to the AT-500's 248 km/h, a difference of 337 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AT-500 or T-6 Texan II?
The T-6 Texan II has a longer range at 1,700 km compared to the AT-500's 1,300 km.
Which can fly higher, the AT-500 or T-6 Texan II?
The AT-500 has a higher service ceiling at 11,000 meters (36,089 ft) compared to the T-6 Texan II's 9,449 meters (31,000 ft).
Which is heavier, the AT-500 or T-6 Texan II?
The AT-500 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,754 kg compared to the T-6 Texan II's 2,858 kg.
Which is larger, the AT-500 or T-6 Texan II?
The AT-500 is longer at 10.2 meters compared to the T-6 Texan II's 10.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AT-500 or T-6 Texan II?
The T-6 Texan II is more expensive at approximately $4.3 million per unit compared to the AT-500 at $0.5 million.
Which entered service first, the AT-500 or T-6 Texan II?
The AT-500 entered service first in 1987, 14 years before the T-6 Texan II which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the AT-500 or T-6 Texan II?
The T-6 Texan II has been produced in greater numbers with 850 units compared to 470 units of the AT-500.