DC-3 vs PA-31 Navajo

The DC-3 and the PA-31 Navajo are both Military Transport Aircraft, manufactured by Douglas and Piper respectively. Top speed is 413 km/h for the DC-3 vs 420 km/h for the PA-31 Navajo. The DC-3 has an operational range of 2,540 km vs 1,875 km for the PA-31 Navajo. The PA-31 Navajo operates at altitudes up to 8,016 m compared to 7,071 m for the DC-3. At 13,154 kg MTOW, the DC-3 is 4.5x the PA-31 Navajo's 2,948 kg. The DC-3 has been produced in 10,174 units vs 3,942 for the PA-31 Navajo. The DC-3 first flew 23 years before the PA-31 Navajo (1941 vs 1964).

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 $0.1 million
American light, twin-engined aircraft, used extensively for air taxi, flight training, and personal use during the late 20th century.
Piper PA-31 Navajo Transport profile drawing
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Military Transport Aircraft
Manufacturer Piper
First flight 30 September 1964
Year introduced 1967
Number produced 3942 units
Average unit price $-- 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 875 kW â—‰
Wing area 21.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 12.4 m â—‰
Height 4.0 m â—‰
Length 9.9 m â—‰
Maximum speed 420 km/h â—‰
Operational range 1,875 km â—‰
Service ceiling 8,016 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 2,948 kg â—‰
Empty weight 1,783 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 231 kW â—‰

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the DC-3 or PA-31 Navajo?
The PA-31 Navajo is faster with a maximum speed of 420 km/h compared to the DC-3's 413 km/h, a difference of 7 km/h.
Which has longer range, the DC-3 or PA-31 Navajo?
The DC-3 has a longer range at 2,540 km compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 1,875 km.
Which can fly higher, the DC-3 or PA-31 Navajo?
The PA-31 Navajo has a higher service ceiling at 8,016 meters (26,299 ft) compared to the DC-3's 7,071 meters (23,198 ft).
Which is heavier, the DC-3 or PA-31 Navajo?
The DC-3 has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 13,154 kg compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 2,948 kg.
Which is larger, the DC-3 or PA-31 Navajo?
The DC-3 is longer at 22.7 meters compared to the PA-31 Navajo's 9.9 meters.
Which entered service first, the DC-3 or PA-31 Navajo?
The DC-3 entered service first in 1936, 31 years before the PA-31 Navajo which entered service in 1967.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the DC-3 or PA-31 Navajo?
The DC-3 has been produced in greater numbers with 10,174 units compared to 3,942 units of the PA-31 Navajo.