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DA42 Twin Star vs Pilatus PC-21

Diamond DA42 Twin Star military training aircraft side profile drawing
Pilatus PC-21 military training aircraft side profile drawing
🇨🇭 Pilatus PC-21
Change comparison vs
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 50 kW 1 x 1,193 kW
Performance Radar Chart

Overview

The DA42 Twin Star and the Pilatus PC-21 are both Military Training Aircraft, manufactured by Diamond and Pilatus respectively.

Top speed is 354 km/h for the DA42 Twin Star vs 685 km/h for the Pilatus PC-21. The DA42 Twin Star has an operational range of 2,250 km vs 1,333 km for the Pilatus PC-21. The Pilatus PC-21 operates at altitudes up to 11,580 m compared to 9,000 m for the DA42 Twin Star. At 4,250 kg MTOW, the Pilatus PC-21 is 2.1x the DA42 Twin Star's 2,000 kg.

The DA42 Twin Star has been produced in 600 units vs 211 for the Pilatus PC-21. Unit cost is $1.3M for the DA42 Twin Star vs $9M for the Pilatus PC-21.

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.