GlobalMilitary.net Open-source military intelligence Updated daily
Head-to-head

BN-2B Defender vs Commander 500

BN-2B Defender vs Commander 500 at a glance — top speed 264 vs 346 km/h, range 1,400 vs 1,735 km, max takeoff weight 2,995 vs 3,062 kg, built 1,280 vs 2,902 units.

BN-2B Defender military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇬🇧 BN-2B Defender
Commander 500 military transport aircraft side profile drawing
🇺🇸 Commander 500
Specifications
BN-2B Defender Commander 500
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Britten-Norman Aero Commander
First flight 12 June 1965 23 April 1948
Year introduced 1965 1952
Number produced 1280 units 2902 units
Average unit price $2 million $260K
Wing area 31.3 m² 24.0 m²
Wingspan 16.2 m 15.0 m
Height 4.2 m 4.4 m
Length 11.1 m 11.2 m
Maximum speed 264 km/h 346 km/h
Operational range 1,400 km 1,735 km
Service ceiling 4,000 m 5,913 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,995 kg 3,062 kg
Empty weight 1,825 kg 2,102 kg
Total thrust 2 x 194 kW 2 x 216 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs
Related Comparisons
BN-2B Defender vs An-2 Colt BN-2B Defender vs Boeing 737 BN-2B Defender vs 210 Centurion BN-2B Defender vs PA-34 Seneca BN-2B Defender vs PA-31 Navajo BN-2B Defender vs 208 Caravan

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the BN-2B Defender or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 is faster with a maximum speed of 346 km/h compared to the BN-2B Defender's 264 km/h, a difference of 82 km/h.
Which has longer range, the BN-2B Defender or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 has a longer range at 1,735 km compared to the BN-2B Defender's 1,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the BN-2B Defender or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 has a higher service ceiling at 5,913 meters (19,399 ft) compared to the BN-2B Defender's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the BN-2B Defender or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,062 kg compared to the BN-2B Defender's 2,995 kg.
Which is larger, the BN-2B Defender or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 is longer at 11.2 meters compared to the BN-2B Defender's 11.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the BN-2B Defender or Commander 500?
The BN-2B Defender is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the Commander 500 at $0.3 million.
Which entered service first, the BN-2B Defender or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 entered service first in 1952, 13 years before the BN-2B Defender which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the BN-2B Defender or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 has been produced in greater numbers with 2,902 units compared to 1,280 units of the BN-2B Defender.