AW609 vs PA-32 Cherokee Six

The AW609 and the PA-32 Cherokee Six are both Military Special Mission Aircraft, manufactured by AgustaWestland and Piper respectively. The AW609 reaches 509 km/h — 2.2x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h. The AW609 has an operational range of 1,389 km vs 1,361 km for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. The AW609 operates at altitudes up to 7,620 m compared to 4,359 m for the PA-32 Cherokee Six. At 8,200 kg MTOW, the AW609 is 8.4x the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg. The PA-32 Cherokee Six first flew 43 years before the AW609 (1960 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
American light, single-engined aircraft, dominant during the late 20th century, widely used for personal, commercial air taxi services.
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Other profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Special Mission Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 14 January 1960
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 7842 units
Average unit price $-- 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 15.0 m²
Wingspan 9.0 m
Height 2.2 m
Length 7.1 m
Maximum speed 228 km/h
Operational range 1,361 km
Service ceiling 4,359 m
Max. takeoff weight 975 kg
Empty weight 545 kg
Total thrust 1 x 112 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the AW609 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The AW609 is faster with a maximum speed of 509 km/h compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 228 km/h, a difference of 281 km/h.
Which has longer range, the AW609 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The AW609 has a longer range at 1,389 km compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 1,361 km.
Which can fly higher, the AW609 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The AW609 has a higher service ceiling at 7,620 meters (25,000 ft) compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 4,359 meters (14,301 ft).
Which is heavier, the AW609 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The AW609 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 8,200 kg compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 975 kg.
Which is larger, the AW609 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The AW609 is longer at 14.1 meters compared to the PA-32 Cherokee Six's 7.1 meters.
Which entered service first, the AW609 or PA-32 Cherokee Six?
The PA-32 Cherokee Six entered service first in 1965, 55 years before the AW609 which entered service in 2020.