BN-2B Defender vs DC-3

The BN-2B Defender and the DC-3 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Britten-Norman and Douglas respectively. Top speed is 264 km/h for the BN-2B Defender vs 413 km/h for the DC-3. The BN-2B Defender has an operational range of 1,400 km vs 2,540 km for the DC-3. The DC-3 operates at altitudes up to 7,071 m compared to 4,000 m for the BN-2B Defender. At 13,154 kg MTOW, the DC-3 is 4.4x the BN-2B Defender's 2,995 kg. The BN-2B Defender has been produced in 1,280 units vs 10,174 for the DC-3. Unit cost is $2M for the BN-2B Defender vs $0.08M for the DC-3. The DC-3 first flew 24 years before the BN-2B Defender (1941 vs 1965).

British light-utility aircraft, notably deployed for surveillance, logistical operations, and transport duties in various global regions.
Britten-Norman BN-2B Defender Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Britten-Norman
First flight 12 June 1965
Year introduced 1965
Number produced 1280 units
Average unit price $2 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 31.3 m² ◉
Wingspan 16.2 m â—‰
Height 4.2 m â—‰
Length 11.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 264 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,400 km â—‰
Service ceiling 4,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,995 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,825 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 194 kW â—‰
Wing area 91.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.0 m â—‰
Height 5.6 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 413 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,540 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,071 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,450 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 875 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the BN-2B Defender or DC-3?
The DC-3 is faster with a maximum speed of 413 km/h compared to the BN-2B Defender's 264 km/h, a difference of 149 km/h.
Which has longer range, the BN-2B Defender or DC-3?
The DC-3 has a longer range at 2,540 km compared to the BN-2B Defender's 1,400 km.
Which can fly higher, the BN-2B Defender or DC-3?
The DC-3 has a higher service ceiling at 7,071 meters (23,198 ft) compared to the BN-2B Defender's 4,000 meters (13,123 ft).
Which is heavier, the BN-2B Defender or DC-3?
The DC-3 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,154 kg compared to the BN-2B Defender's 2,995 kg.
Which is larger, the BN-2B Defender or DC-3?
The DC-3 is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the BN-2B Defender's 11.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the BN-2B Defender or DC-3?
The BN-2B Defender is more expensive at approximately $2.0 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the BN-2B Defender or DC-3?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 29 years before the BN-2B Defender which entered service in 1965.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the BN-2B Defender or DC-3?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 1,280 units of the BN-2B Defender.