208 Caravan vs Commander 500

The 208 Caravan and the Commander 500 are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Cessna and Aero respectively. Top speed is 344 km/h for the 208 Caravan vs 346 km/h for the Commander 500. The 208 Caravan has an operational range of 1,980 km vs 1,735 km for the Commander 500. The 208 Caravan operates at altitudes up to 7,600 m compared to 5,913 m for the Commander 500. The 208 Caravan has been produced in 3,000 units vs 2,902 for the Commander 500. Unit cost is $2.1M for the 208 Caravan vs $0.26M for the Commander 500. The Commander 500 first flew 34 years before the 208 Caravan (1948 vs 1982).

American utility aircraft, primarily deployed for passenger and cargo transportation, known for its operational history since the 1980s.
Cessna 208 Caravan Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Cessna
First flight 9 December 1982
Year introduced 1984
Number produced 3000 units
Average unit price $2.1 million
American light business aircraft, mainly used in civil and military flight training, widely deployed in the mid-20th century.
Aero Commander 500 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero
First flight 23 April 1948
Year introduced 1952
Number produced 2902 units
Average unit price $0.3 million
Wing area 26.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 15.9 m â—‰
Height 4.3 m â—‰
Length 12.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 344 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,980 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,600 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 3,970 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,073 kg â—‰
Total thrust 1 x 505 kW â—‰
Wing area 24.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 15.0 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 11.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed 346 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,735 km â—‰
Service ceiling 5,913 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 3,062 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,102 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 216 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the 208 Caravan or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 is faster with a maximum speed of 346 km/h compared to the 208 Caravan's 344 km/h, a difference of 2 km/h.
Which has longer range, the 208 Caravan or Commander 500?
The 208 Caravan has a longer range at 1,980 km compared to the Commander 500's 1,735 km.
Which can fly higher, the 208 Caravan or Commander 500?
The 208 Caravan has a higher service ceiling at 7,600 meters (24,934 ft) compared to the Commander 500's 5,913 meters (19,399 ft).
Which is heavier, the 208 Caravan or Commander 500?
The 208 Caravan has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,970 kg compared to the Commander 500's 3,062 kg.
Which is larger, the 208 Caravan or Commander 500?
The 208 Caravan is longer at 12.7 meters compared to the Commander 500's 11.2 meters.
Which is more expensive, the 208 Caravan or Commander 500?
The 208 Caravan is more expensive at approximately $2.1 million per unit compared to the Commander 500 at $0.3 million.
Which entered service first, the 208 Caravan or Commander 500?
The Commander 500 entered service first in 1952, 32 years before the 208 Caravan which entered service in 1984.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the 208 Caravan or Commander 500?
The 208 Caravan has been produced in greater numbers with 3,000 units compared to 2,902 units of the Commander 500.