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DA42 Twin Star vs Pilatus PC-21

DA42 Twin Star vs Pilatus PC-21 at a glance — top speed 354 vs 685 km/h, range 2,250 vs 1,333 km, max takeoff weight 2,000 vs 4,250 kg, built 600 vs 211 units.

Diamond DA42 Twin Star military training aircraft side profile drawing
Pilatus PC-21 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇭 Pilatus PC-21
Specifications
DA42 Twin Star Pilatus PC-21
Origin country 🇦🇹 Austria 🇨🇭 Switzerland
Category Military Training Aircraft Military Training Aircraft
Manufacturer Diamond Pilatus
First flight 9 December 2002 1 July 2002
Year introduced 2004 2008
Number produced 600 units 211 units
Average unit price $1.3 million $9 million
Wing area 16.3 m² 15.2 m²
Wingspan 13.4 m 9.1 m
Height 2.5 m 3.8 m
Length 8.0 m 11.2 m
Maximum speed 354 km/h 685 km/h
Operational range 2,250 km 1,333 km
Service ceiling 9,000 m 11,580 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,000 kg 4,250 kg
Empty weight 1,200 kg 2,270 kg
Total thrust 2 x 100 kW 1 x 1,193 kW
Performance Radar Chart
Change comparison vs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DA42 Twin Star or Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus PC-21 is faster with a maximum speed of 685 km/h compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 354 km/h, a difference of 331 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DA42 Twin Star or Pilatus PC-21?
The DA42 Twin Star has a longer range at 2,250 km compared to the Pilatus PC-21's 1,333 km.
Which can fly higher, the DA42 Twin Star or Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus PC-21 has a higher service ceiling at 11,580 meters (37,992 ft) compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 9,000 meters (29,527 ft).
Which is heavier, the DA42 Twin Star or Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus PC-21 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 4,250 kg compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 2,000 kg.
Which is larger, the DA42 Twin Star or Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus PC-21 is longer at 11.2 meters compared to the DA42 Twin Star's 8.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DA42 Twin Star or Pilatus PC-21?
The Pilatus PC-21 is more expensive at approximately $9.0 million per unit compared to the DA42 Twin Star at $1.3 million.
Which entered service first, the DA42 Twin Star or Pilatus PC-21?
The DA42 Twin Star entered service first in 2004, 4 years before the Pilatus PC-21 which entered service in 2008.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DA42 Twin Star or Pilatus PC-21?
The DA42 Twin Star has been produced in greater numbers with 600 units compared to 211 units of the Pilatus PC-21.