DA42 Twin Star vs L-39 Albatros

The DA42 Twin Star and the L-39 Albatros are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Diamond and Aero respectively. The L-39 Albatros reaches 750 km/h — 2.1x the DA42 Twin Star's 354 km/h. The DA42 Twin Star has an operational range of 2,250 km vs 1,100 km for the L-39 Albatros. The L-39 Albatros operates at altitudes up to 11,500 m compared to 9,000 m for the DA42 Twin Star. At 4,700 kg MTOW, the L-39 Albatros is 2.4x the DA42 Twin Star's 2,000 kg. The DA42 Twin Star has been produced in 600 units vs 2,900 for the L-39 Albatros. Unit cost is $1.3M for the DA42 Twin Star vs $1M for the L-39 Albatros. The L-39 Albatros first flew 34 years before the DA42 Twin Star (1968 vs 2002).

Austrian twin-engine propeller-driven airplane, notable for its utility in civil aviation and pilot training post-2004.
Diamond DA42 Twin Star Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇦🇹 Austria
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Diamond
First flight 9 December 2002
Year introduced 2004
Number produced 600 units
Average unit price $1.3 million
Czech training jet, operational since the Cold War, deployed worldwide for various military aviation roles.
Aero L-39 Albatros Training profile drawing
Origin country 🇨🇿 Czechia
Category Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Aero
First flight 4 November 1968
Year introduced 1972
Number produced 2900 units
Average unit price $1 million
Wing area 16.3 m²
Wingspan 13.4 m
Height 2.5 m
Length 8.0 m
Maximum speed 354 km/h
Operational range 2,250 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,000 kg
Empty weight 1,200 kg
Total thrust 2 x 100 kW
Wing area 18.8 m²
Wingspan 9.5 m
Height 4.8 m
Length 12.1 m
Maximum speed 750 km/h
Operational range 1,100 km
Service ceiling 11,500 m
Max. takeoff weight 4,700 kg
Empty weight 3,459 kg
Total thrust 1 x 1,720 kgf

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DA42 Twin Star or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros is faster with a maximum speed of 750 km/h compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 354 km/h, a difference of 396 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DA42 Twin Star or L-39 Albatros?
The DA42 Twin Star has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the L-39 Albatros's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the DA42 Twin Star or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros has a higher service ceiling at 11,500 meters (37,729 ft) compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the DA42 Twin Star or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,700 kg compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 2,000 kg.
Which is larger, the DA42 Twin Star or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros is longer at 12.1 meters compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DA42 Twin Star or L-39 Albatros?
The DA42 Twin Star is more expensive at approximately $1.3 million per unit compared to the L-39 Albatros at $1.0 million.
Which entered service first, the DA42 Twin Star or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros entered service first in 1972, 32 years before the DA42 Twin Star which entered service in 2004.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DA42 Twin Star or L-39 Albatros?
The L-39 Albatros has been produced in greater numbers with 2,900 units compared to 600 units of the DA42 Twin Star.