DC-3 vs Metroliner

The DC-3 and the Metroliner are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Douglas and Fairchild Swearingen respectively. Top speed is 413 km/h for the DC-3 vs 533 km/h for the Metroliner. The DC-3 has an operational range of 2,540 km vs 1,100 km for the Metroliner. The Metroliner operates at altitudes up to 9,449 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 13,154 kg MTOW, the DC-3 is 2.1x the Metroliner's 6,350 kg. The DC-3 has been produced in 10,174 units vs 600 for the Metroliner. The DC-3 first flew 28 years before the Metroliner (1941 vs 1969).

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
American-built regional airliner, notable for its use in commercial, cargo and military services during the late 20th century.
Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Fairchild Swearingen
First flight 26 August 1969
Year introduced 1972
Number produced 600 units
Average unit price --
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
Total thrust 3 x 292 kW â—‰
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 14.1 m â—‰
Height 5.1 m â—‰
Length 12.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 533 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,100 km â—‰
Service ceiling 9,449 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 6,350 kg â—‰
Empty weight -- kg
Total thrust 2 x 522 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DC-3 or Metroliner?
The Metroliner is faster with a maximum speed of 533 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 120 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DC-3 or Metroliner?
The DC-3 has a longer range at 2,540 km compared to the Metroliner's 1,100 km.
Which can fly higher, the DC-3 or Metroliner?
The Metroliner has a higher service ceiling at 9,449 meters (31,000 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the DC-3 or Metroliner?
The DC-3 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,154 kg compared to the Metroliner's 6,350 kg.
Which is larger, the DC-3 or Metroliner?
The DC-3 is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the Metroliner's 12.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the DC-3 or Metroliner?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 36 years before the Metroliner which entered service in 1972.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DC-3 or Metroliner?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 600 units of the Metroliner.