AW609 vs DHC-2 Beaver

The AW609 and the DHC-2 Beaver are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by AgustaWestland and De Havilland Canada respectively. The AW609 reaches 509 km/h — 2.0x the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h. The AW609 has an operational range of 1,389 km vs 732 km for the DHC-2 Beaver. The AW609 operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 5,486 m for the DHC-2 Beaver. Unit cost is $25M for the AW609 vs $0.4M for the DHC-2 Beaver. The DHC-2 Beaver first flew 56 years before the AW609 (1947 vs 2003).

Italian-American tiltrotor aircraft, designed for commercial and government purposes, with applications like search and rescue or offshore transport.
AgustaWestland AW609 Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇮🇹 Italy 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer AgustaWestland
First flight 6 March 2003
Year introduced 2020
Number produced N/A
Average unit price $25 million
Canadian utility aircraft, renowned for bush flying since the mid-20th century, widely deployed for civilian and military operations.
De Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇦 Canada
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer De Havilland Canada
First flight 16 August 1947
Year introduced 1948
Number produced 1657 units
Average unit price $0.4 million
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 11.7 m
Height 5.1 m
Length 14.1 m
Maximum speed 509 km/h
Operational range 1,389 km
Service ceiling 7,620 m
Max. takeoff weight 8,200 kg
Empty weight 4,755 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,447 kW
Wing area 23.0 m²
Wingspan 15.0 m
Height 2.7 m
Length 9.2 m
Maximum speed 254 km/h
Operational range 732 km
Service ceiling 5,486 m
Max. takeoff weight -- kg
Empty weight 1,361 kg
Total thrust 1 x 336 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW609 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AW609 is faster with a maximum speed of 509 km/h compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 254 km/h, a difference of 255 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW609 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AW609 has a longer range at 1,389 km compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 732 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW609 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AW609 has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 5,486 meters (17,998 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW609 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AW609 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,200 kg compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 0 kg.
Which is larger, the AW609 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AW609 is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the DHC-2 Beaver's 9.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the AW609 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The AW609 is more expensive at approximately $25 million per unit compared to the DHC-2 Beaver at $0.4 million.
Which entered service first, the AW609 or DHC-2 Beaver?
The DHC-2 Beaver entered service first in 1948, 72 years before the AW609 which entered service in 2020.