BN-2B Defender vs Commander 500

British light-utility aircraft, notably deployed for surveillance, logistical operations, and transport duties in various global regions.
Picture of BN-2B Defender
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 light business aircraft, mainly used in civil and military flight training, widely deployed in the mid-20th century.
Picture of Commander 500
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 31.3 m² ◉
Wingspan 16.2 m â—‰
Height 4.2 m â—‰
Length 11.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 264 km/h
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—‰
Profile drawing of Britten-Norman BN-2B Defender
Wing area 24.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 15.0 m â—‰
Height 4.4 m â—‰
Length 11.2 m â—‰
Maximum speed -- km/h
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—‰
Profile drawing of Aero Commander 500

Performance Radar Chart

Photo of Commander 500 by Tomás Del Coro.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the BN-2B Defender or Commander 500?
The BN-2B Defender is faster with a maximum speed of 264 km/h compared to the Commander 500's 0 km/h, a difference of 264 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.