Beechcraft 390 Premier I vs DC-3

The Beechcraft 390 Premier I and the DC-3 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Beechcraft and Douglas respectively. The Beechcraft 390 Premier I reaches 841 km/h — 2.0x the DC-3's 413 km/h. The Beechcraft 390 Premier I has an operational range of 2,519 km vs 2,540 km for the DC-3. The Beechcraft 390 Premier I operates at altitudes up to 12,497 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 13,154 kg MTOW, the DC-3 is 2.3x the Beechcraft 390 Premier I's 5,670 kg. The Beechcraft 390 Premier I has been produced in 292 units vs 10,174 for the DC-3. Unit cost is $5M for the Beechcraft 390 Premier I vs $0.08M for the DC-3. The DC-3 first flew 57 years before the Beechcraft 390 Premier I (1941 vs 1998).

American business jet, produced in the late 20th century, utilized globally primarily in aial ambulance and executive transport roles.
Beechcraft Beechcraft 390 Premier I Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Beechcraft
First flight 22 December 1998
Year introduced 2001
Number produced 292 units
Average unit price $5 million
American commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport.
Douglas DC-3 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas
First flight 23 December 1941
Year introduced 1936
Number produced 10174 units
Average unit price $0.1 million
Wing area 23.0 m²
Wingspan 13.6 m
Height 4.7 m
Length 14.0 m
Maximum speed 841 km/h
Operational range 2,519 km
Service ceiling 12,497 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,670 kg
Empty weight 3,627 kg
Total thrust 2 x 1,043 kgf
Wing area 91.7 m²
Wingspan 29.0 m
Height 5.6 m
Length 22.7 m
Maximum speed 413 km/h
Operational range 2,540 km
Service ceiling 7,071 m
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg
Empty weight 6,450 kg
Total thrust 3 x 875 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Beechcraft 390 Premier I or DC-3?
The Beechcraft 390 Premier I is faster with a maximum speed of 841 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 428 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Beechcraft 390 Premier I or DC-3?
The DC-3 has a longer range at 2,540 km compared to the Beechcraft 390 Premier I's 2,519 km.
Which can fly higher, the Beechcraft 390 Premier I or DC-3?
The Beechcraft 390 Premier I has a higher service ceiling at 12,497 meters (41,000 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the Beechcraft 390 Premier I or DC-3?
The DC-3 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,154 kg compared to the Beechcraft 390 Premier I's 5,670 kg.
Which is larger, the Beechcraft 390 Premier I or DC-3?
The DC-3 is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the Beechcraft 390 Premier I's 14.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the Beechcraft 390 Premier I or DC-3?
The Beechcraft 390 Premier I is more expensive at approximately $5.0 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the Beechcraft 390 Premier I or DC-3?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 65 years before the Beechcraft 390 Premier I which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Beechcraft 390 Premier I or DC-3?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 292 units of the Beechcraft 390 Premier I.