Commander 500 vs PA-31 Navajo

The Commander 500 and the PA-31 Navajo are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Aero and Piper respectively. Top speed is 346 km/h for the Commander 500 vs 420 km/h for the PA-31 Navajo. The Commander 500 has an operational range of 1,735 km vs 1,875 km for the PA-31 Navajo. The PA-31 Navajo operates at altitudes up to 8,016 m compared to 5,913 m for the Commander 500. The Commander 500 has been produced in 2,902 units vs 3,942 for the PA-31 Navajo. The Commander 500 first flew 16 years before the PA-31 Navajo (1948 vs 1964).

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
American light, twin-engined aircraft, used extensively for air taxi, flight training, and personal use during the late 20th century.
Piper PA-31 Navajo Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 30 September 1964
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 3942 units
Average unit price $-- million
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—‰
Wing area 21.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 12.4 m â—‰
Height 4.0 m â—‰
Length 9.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 420 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,875 km â—‰
Service ceiling 8,016 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,948 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,783 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 231 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Commander 500 or PA-31 Navajo?
The PA-31 Navajo is faster with a maximum speed of 420 km/h compared to the Commander 500's 346 km/h, a difference of 74 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Commander 500 or PA-31 Navajo?
The PA-31 Navajo has a longer range at 1,875 km compared to the Commander 500's 1,735 km.
Which can fly higher, the Commander 500 or PA-31 Navajo?
The PA-31 Navajo has a higher service ceiling at 8,016 meters (26,299 ft) compared to the Commander 500's 5,913 meters (19,399 ft).
Which is heavier, the Commander 500 or PA-31 Navajo?
The Commander 500 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 3,062 kg compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 2,948 kg.
Which is larger, the Commander 500 or PA-31 Navajo?
The Commander 500 is longer at 11.2 meters compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 9.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the Commander 500 or PA-31 Navajo?
The Commander 500 entered service first in 1952, 15 years before the PA-31 Navajo which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Commander 500 or PA-31 Navajo?
The PA-31 Navajo has been produced in greater numbers with 3,942 units compared to 2,902 units of the Commander 500.