DC-3 vs F406 Caravan II

The DC-3 and the F406 Caravan II are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Douglas and Reims-Cessna respectively. Top speed is 413 km/h for the DC-3 vs 423 km/h for the F406 Caravan II. The DC-3 has an operational range of 2,540 km vs 2,135 km for the F406 Caravan II. The F406 Caravan II operates at altitudes up to 9,144 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 13,154 kg MTOW, the DC-3 is 3.1x the F406 Caravan II's 4,246 kg. The DC-3 has been produced in 10,174 units vs 99 for the F406 Caravan II. Unit cost is $0.08M for the DC-3 vs $3M for the F406 Caravan II. The DC-3 first flew 42 years before the F406 Caravan II (1941 vs 1983).

American commercial airliner, renowned for significant contributions to World War II airlift operations, frequently used for cargo and passenger transport.
Douglas DC-3 Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Douglas
First flight 23 December 1941
Year introduced 1936
Number produced 10174 units
Average unit price $80K
French civilian utility aircraft, operational since the 1980s, frequently used for surveillance, cargo transport, and passenger services.
Reims-Cessna F406 Caravan II Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Reims-Cessna
First flight 22 September 1983
Year introduced 1985
Number produced 99 units
Average unit price $3 million
Wing area 91.7 m² ◉
Wingspan 29.0 m â—‰
Height 5.6 m â—‰
Length 22.7 m â—‰
Maximum speed 413 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,540 km â—‰
Service ceiling 7,071 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 13,154 kg â—‰
Empty weight 6,450 kg â—‰
Total thrust 3 x 292 kW â—‰
Wing area 24.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 15.1 m â—‰
Height 4.0 m â—‰
Length 12.0 m â—‰
Maximum speed 423 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,135 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,144 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 4,246 kg â—‰
Empty weight 2,283 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 187 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DC-3 or F406 Caravan II?
The F406 Caravan II is faster with a maximum speed of 423 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 10 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DC-3 or F406 Caravan II?
The DC-3 has a longer range at 2,540 km compared to the F406 Caravan II's 2,135 km.
Which can fly higher, the DC-3 or F406 Caravan II?
The F406 Caravan II has a higher service ceiling at 9,144 meters (30,000 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the DC-3 or F406 Caravan II?
The DC-3 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,154 kg compared to the F406 Caravan II's 4,246 kg.
Which is larger, the DC-3 or F406 Caravan II?
The DC-3 is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the F406 Caravan II's 12.0 meters.
Which is more expensive, the DC-3 or F406 Caravan II?
The F406 Caravan II is more expensive at approximately $3.0 million per unit compared to the DC-3 at $0.1 million.
Which entered service first, the DC-3 or F406 Caravan II?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 49 years before the F406 Caravan II which entered service in 1985.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DC-3 or F406 Caravan II?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 99 units of the F406 Caravan II.