ATR-42 vs Commander 500

Overview

The ATR-42 and the Commander 500 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by ATR and Aero respectively.

Top speed is 556 km/h for the ATR-42 vs 346 km/h for the Commander 500. The ATR-42 has an operational range of 1,326 km vs 1,735 km for the Commander 500. The ATR-42 operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 5,913 m for the Commander 500. At 18,600 kg MTOW, the ATR-42 is 6.1x the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.

The ATR-42 has been produced in 497 units vs 2,902 for the Commander 500. Unit cost is $20M for the ATR-42 vs $0.26M for the Commander 500. The Commander 500 first flew 36 years before the ATR-42 (1948 vs 1984).

French-Italian regional airliner, noteworthy for operations throughout 1980s-2000s with more than 100 operators worldwide.
ATR ATR-42 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France 🇮🇹 Italy
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer ATR
First flight 16 August 1984
Year introduced 1985
Number produced 497 units
Average unit price $20 million
American light business aircraft, mainly used in civil and military flight training, widely deployed in the mid-20th century.
Aero Commander 500 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero
First flight 23 April 1948
Year introduced 1952
Number produced 2902 units
Average unit price $260K
Wing area 54.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 24.6 m â—‰
Height 7.6 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 556 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,326 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,620 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 18,600 kg â—‰
Empty weight 11,250 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 895 kW â—‰
Wing area 24.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 15.0 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 11.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 346 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,735 km â—‰
Service ceiling 5,913 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 3,062 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,102 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 108 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the ATR-42 or Commander 500?
The ATR-42 is faster with a maximum speed of 556 km/h compared to the Commander 500's 346 km/h, a difference of 210 km/h.
Which has longer range, the ATR-42 or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 has a longer range at 1,735 km compared to the ATR-42's 1,326 km.
Which can fly higher, the ATR-42 or Commander 500?
The ATR-42 has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the Commander 500's 5,913 meters (19,399 ft).
Which is heavier, the ATR-42 or Commander 500?
The ATR-42 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 18,600 kg compared to the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.
Which is larger, the ATR-42 or Commander 500?
The ATR-42 is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the Commander 500's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the ATR-42 or Commander 500?
The ATR-42 is more expensive at approximately $20 million per unit compared to the Commander 500 at $0.3 million.
Which entered service first, the ATR-42 or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 entered service first in 1952, 33 years before the ATR-42 which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the ATR-42 or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,902 units compared to 497 units of the ATR-42.